
o 0' 



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GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



History of Our Country 



A TEXT-BOOK FOR SCHOOLS 



BY 

OSCAR H. COOPER, LL.D. 

Superintendent of Schools, Galveston, Texas, a7td Ex-Superintendent of 
Public Instruction for the State of Texas 

HARRY F. ESTILL 

Professor in the Sam Houston State Normal Institute 
Huntsville, Texas 

AND 

LEONARD LEMMON 

Superintendent of Schools, Sherman, Texas 



So i 



Boston, U.S.A., and London 
GINN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 
1896 



Library fo. 



Copyright, 1895 
By GINN & COMPANY 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



PREFACE. 



This " History of Our Country " has been prepared in the 
.^ehef that there is need of a text-book on the history of the 
United States which would present fairly and impartially all 
sections of the Union. The authors have endeavored to divest 
the narrative of all bias for or against the North or the South, 
the East or the West The strife for sectional or partisan 
supremacy has often transcended the bounds of true patriotism, 
but it is believed that such strife has been inevitable, and that 
in the long run it has made our country stronger and richer 
in the nobler elements of national life. Love of country is 
greater than the love of party, and loyalty to the state is a 
permanent and indestructible element in loyalty to the nation. 
Our country is " an indestructible union of indestructible 
states." Our history should be so taught that the next gen- 
eration will cherish the patriotism which conserves the rights of 
the states, and honor the patriotism which guards the suprem- 
acy of the Federal Union. If this book shall prove to be 
helpful to the great army of earnest and faithful teachers in 
making the story of our country's life, growth, and progress 
more real and interesting to their pupils, the hope of the 
authors will be amply fulfilled. 

Oscar H. Cooper. 

Galveston, Texas, April 25, 1895. 



SUGGESTIONS TO THE TEACHER. 



In each lesson, the story of the text should in some way be connected 
with the every-day life and experience of the pupil. The outline and most 
of the events of our country's history may be readily grasped by minds of 
moderate maturity and experience ; but in the life of an enlightened people 
like our own, there are necessarily subjects whose thorough comprehension 
requires considerable information and mental development. The wise 
teacher will note the intellectual strength of his class in relation to the 
deep places of the subject. Local surroundings, peculiarities of individual 
pupils will suggest plans to connect the known with the unknown, the 
present with the past, the near-at-hand with the far-away. An event or 
question beyond the mental horizon of an immature class should be 
touched upon lightly, or deferred for later study. 

Each historical event should be associated in the learner's mind with 
other events. Isolated facts are soon forgotten. In the beginning of each 
recitation, call up the past events with which the lesson of the day is 
directly connected. Certain pupils may be appointed to investigate and 
report to the class special lines of review ; as Relation of France to 
American Histo'-y, Important American Inventions, Outline of Tariff 
Legislation, etc., etc. 

Whenever practicable, present the story objectively or pictorially. The 
learner never gets too mature to be profited by the occasional use of simple 
devices that appeal to the sense of sight. The charts on pages 50 and 108 
will suggest plans that may be worked out by teacher and class, and used 
to great advantage in reviews. It is needless to say that portraits, pictures, 
and historic relics have their value in this connection. 

Maps are as indispensable to the teaching of history as of geography. 
While it is believed that the rich supply of maps in the " History of Our 
Country" is ample for the preparation of the lesson, yet for the recitation 
wall-maps are necessary. The question of expense need not enter here. 
A large map drawn on the blackboard in colored crayon by one of the 
pupils will answer all the purposes of the manufactured map, and possess 
the added interest of being "home-made." 



vi 



SUGGESTIONS TO THE TEACHER. 



There should be a constant and earnest effort to awaken a spirit of 
historical investigation. Mere memory-training is the unpardonable sin of 
the history teacher. The " Thought Questions " in the text are an effort 
to lead the pupil to think for himself. It is hoped that they will suggest 
other and better means by which the imagination, the judgment, the reason, 
and the moral faculties of the pupils will be called into healthy exercise. 
Within the reach of every class there should be at least a few standard 
works of history and biography, by means of which the pupil's small store 
of knowledge may be increased, and the spirit of investigation encouraged. 

The Topical Analyses will be found helpful to those teachers who prefer 
questions on the text to the topical method of recitation. They may be 
used to advantage in blackboard work ; one pupil being required to write 
the topic headings of the lesson, another to add the topical analyses, 
others to expand into a ^vritten narrative. They will afford, moreover, a 
convenient basis for reviews. 

Pupils may be referred to the Index for the pronunciation of difficult 
names. 

H. F. E. 

Note i. — The following is suggested as an inexpensive but valuable reference library' : 

From Riverside Literature Series, 15 cents each, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston. — 
Longfellow's Evangeline : Courtship of Miles Standish ; Song of Hiawatha (two parts) ; 
Holmes's Grandmother's Story and other Poems ; Hawthorne's Grandfather's Chair (three 
parts) ; Hawthorne's Biographical Stories. 

From Old South Leaflets, 5 cents each, D. C. Heath & Co., Boston. — Voj^ages to Vin- 
land, from the Saga of Eric the Red ; Marco Polo's Account of Japan and Java ; Americus 
Vesputius's Account of his First Voyage ; Charter of Massachusetts Bay Colony. 

Irving's Columbus, John Alden, N. Y. ; Fiske's Ir\-ing's Washington, Macy's Civil 
Government, Ginn & Co., Boston ; Parkman's The Jesuits in North America, and La Salle 
and the Discoverj'^ of the Great West, Little, Brown & Co., Boston ; Drake's Alaking of 
New England, and Making of the Great West, Scribner's Sons, N. Y. ; Cooke's Virginia, 
and My Lady Pocahontas, Houghton, Mifflin & Co. ; Curr}^'s The South in Relation to the 
Constitution and Union, Putnam's Sons, N. Y. ; Higginson's Larger Histor}' of the U. S., 
Harpers, N. Y. ; A. H. Stephen's Larger Historj' of U. S., National Pub. Co., Phila. 

Note 2. — For the preparation of the original drawings of many of the maps in this 
book, acknowledgment is made to Mr. Alois Morkovskj', of Praha, Texas. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTORY. Page 

America 400 Years Ago o . i 

PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION. 

Three Great Voyagers . . . . <, » . 13 

Explorations and Settlements ...... 29 

THE COLONIAL PERIOD. 

Founding and Development of the English Colonies 53 
Downfall of the French Power in America . . .110 

Life in the Colonies . . . . . . . . 124 

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 

War of the Revolution 152 

The Confederation 211 

THE UNION OF THE STATES. - DEVELOPMENT, DIVISION. 

Period of Development 225 

Growth of Sectional Antagonism 282 

the war between the states 347 

THE STATES REUNITED. 

The Reconstruction Period 397 

Recent Events 415 

APPENDIX. 

A. Outline of American Literature .... i 

B. Constitution of the United States . . . . xv 
Index xxxvii 



Vlll 



CONTENTS. 



LIST OF FULL AND DOUBLE-PAGE MAPS. 



Page 

Indian Tribes of United States (colored) . . . . 3 

Route of Norse Voyagers 14 

Six Important Voyages 24 

Revolution in the New England States . . . .165 

British Campaign against Philadelphia .... 185 
United States at Close of Revolution (colored) . . .211 

The Northwest Territory (colored) 213 

The Territory of Louisiana (colored) 244 

The United States in 1861 (colored) 352 

Territorial Growth of United States (colored) . . . 401 

The United States at the Present Time (colored) . . 436 

FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS. 

George Washington Frontispiece 

Washington Crossing the Delaware 179 

Benjamin Franklin . . 218 

Flags of the United States , . 225 

Thomas Jefferson - - 241 

Henry Clay *. - . 268 

John C. Calhoun . . . . . . . 285 

Daniel Webster 286 

Jefferson Davis 337 

Abraham Lincoln 347 

U. S. Grant . . . . . • 35^ 

Robert E. Lee 364 

STONEWA.LL JaCKSON ■ . • 371 

Liberty Enlightening the World 428 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



AMERICA 400 YEARS AGO. 

I. The North American Continent. — Four hundred years 
ago the eastern part of the North American continent, from 




Ancient Cliff-Dwellings. 



Hudson's Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, was a vast forest, broken 
here and there by small clearings which the savage natives had 



2 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



made by ''girdling" the trees. Beyond the Mississippi were 
uncultivated prairies, upon which herds of deer and buffalo 
roamed unmolested. Still farther westward the peaks of the 
Rocky Mountains looked down upon a solitude undisturbed 
by human beings, save that here and there strange villages of 
"cliff-dwellers" hung upon the canon sides. On the Pacific 
slope lay fertile valleys untouched by the hand of man. 

Yet the physical features of this continent fitted it for rapid 
settlement, and destined it to be the home of a great people^ 
The Atlantic coast, indented with numerous harbors, formed 
the doorway to the civilization of the Old World. Many wide 
and deep rivers, such as the St. Lawrence, Hudson, Potomac, 
and James, opened the way from the coast to the interior. 
Diversified climate, fertile soil, and the boundless natural 
resources of the country, made a noble . land, " fitted to call 
forth and reward the energies of man." 

2. The First Americans The European explorers of 

America found the continent already inhabited by a large 
" ■-Et^^s^l'J.^" ^' number of human beings. In 

iS,^ rir^^^^^J i some parts of the country these 



and Arizona built houses of sun-dried brick on high plateaus 
and in the cliffs of canons. They also made cloth and pottery. 




natives had made progress towards 
civilization. In Central America 
there are ruins of what were once 
beautiful cities. The Peruvians of 
South America and the Aztecs of 
Mexico invented a system of writ- 
ing, cultivated the soil, built good 
I'oads, and showed much skill in 
_irchitecture. They were expert 



potters and workers in metals. 
The Pueblo tribes in New Mexico 



Pueblo Dwellings, N. M. 



AMERICA 400 YEARS AGO. 



3 



The inhabitants of the greater part of the continent, how- 
ever, were savages. These bore the general name of Indians, 
a name given them by the early explorers, who believed the 
new continent to be a part of India. The Indians were 
divided into wandering tribes, whose territories were marked 
by no fixed boundaries. 

3. Classification of Indian Tribes. — The Indians east of 
the Mississippi were divided into three great families of 
tribes, — the Iroquois, the Algon- 
quins, and the Mobilians. The 
Iroquois, or Five Nations, were 
located in the territory of the pres- 
ent State of New York. Various 
tribes of the Algonquins occupied 
New England and the country as 
far south as North Carolina. The 
Mobilians, including the Creeks, 
Cherokees, and other smaller 
tribes, were found in the south. 

West of the Mississippi the 
Dakotas, Sioux, Comanches, and 
Apaches were the most formidable. 

The various tribes differed 
among themselves in language, 
manners, and customs, but they 
had many characteristics in com- 
mon. 

4. Personal Appearance. — The 

North American Indian was called 
the " red man," because of his 
reddish brown, or copper color. He had high cheek bones, 
small black eyes, coarse black hair, and httle or no beard. 
His figure was straight, slender, and of moderate height. His 




4 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



clothing was scanty, — a deerskin over his shoulders, a strip of 
the same material around his waist, and in winter a pair 
of leggings to shield him from the cold. His feet were 
protected by " moccasins " made of soft buckskin and trimmed 
with beads or shells. He often tattooed himself. With 
colored clay he painted fantastic figures on his body. He 
adorned his head with feathers, while from his belt or 
around his neck hung eagles' claws and other trophies of 
the chase. 

5. Home Life. — The tribes were constantly migrating from 
one part of the country to another, and rarely had any perma- 
nent place of abode. Impelled by the desire for society, and 

for protection against their 
enemies, the members of the 
same tribe lived together in 
groups of huts, or villages. 
These huts were called " wig- 
wams." They were tempo- 
rary structures, made usually 
by tying together the tops of 
saplings or poles arranged in 
a circle and then covering this 
framework with bark or with 
skins of animals. An open- 
ing was lett in tne top ot tne wigwam for the smoke to escape. 
They had no furniture, save mats for beds, and a few rude 
cooking vessels of stone or baked clay. All the hard work 
was done by the women of the tribe ; they cleared the small 
patches, cultivated the soil, and raised the scanty crops of 
corn, beans, melons, and tobacco which the tribe consumed. 
The men spent most of their time hunting, fishing, or on the 
"war path." When not so engaged they were smoking and 
talking around the campfire, sleeping away the long, idle days, 




Wigwam 



AMERICA 400 YEARS AGO. 



5 



gambling,^ or playing such games as football, quoits, etc. The 
children wandered about in savage freedom, uncared for, and 
untaught, save in wrestling, fishing, and forest arts. The 
Indian had no domestic animals, except a sort of wolfish dog 
that accompanied its master on the chase. 



6. Social Distinctions; the Totem." — There were no 
grades of society among the Indians. One warrior was as 
good as another, and around the council-fires 
all had the right to be heard. Deference was 
shown to old men, wise men, orators, and 
heads of clans. 

A peculiar social institution called the "totem" 
existed among most of the tribes. Tribes were 
divided into clans. Eich clan had its peculiar 
emblem, called the "totem,"' consisting of some 
bird, beast, or reptile, whose figure was often 
tattooed on the bodies of the members of the 
clan. Each clan was named from its " totem,"' 
as the clan of the Wolf, or Bear, or Hawk. 
Members of the same clan were kinsmen, and 
so were forbidden to intermarry. ]Membership 
in the clan descended through the mother; that 
is, the children belonged to the clan and bore 




the "totem" of their mother. Indians having 
the same " totem," although widely separated 



Indian Gravestone 
showing the Totenn 
of the Turtle. 



1 "Most Indians were desperate gamblers, staking their all. — ornaments, cloth- 
ing, canoe, pipes, weapons, wives. A favorite game among the Hurons and Iroquois 
was played with plum stones or wooden chips, black on one side and white on 
the other. They were tossed up in a wooden bowl by striking it sharply on the 
ground, and the players betted on the black and white. Sometimes a village chal- 
lenged a neighboring village. The parties stood facing each other, while two 
champion players struck the bowl on the ground between them. The bets ran high. 
A French missionary relates that once in midwinter, with the snow nearly three feet 
deep, the men of a village returned from a gambling visit bereft of their leggings and 
barefoot, yet in excellent humor." — Parkman. 



6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



and speaking different dialects, were bound to relieve each 
other's distresses whenever occasion demanded. 

7. Government. — The Indian knew little of the restraints 
of law and government. Each tribe had its sachem, or peace 
chief. The power of the sachem was advisory. There was no 
fixed provision for the punishment of crime. When a dispute 
arose the Indian rehed on his own strength to maintain his 
rights. If he failed in this he applied for protection to his 
chief, who sometimes inflicted punishment with his own hands. 
When a murder was committed the relatives of the slain 
man were expected to avenge his death, or at least to secure 
from the murderers payment of a sum fixed by custom as the 
price of a life. 

In time of war the fighting men submitted to the leadership 
of some warrior whose courage and reputation gave him prece- 
dence. This war chief was sometimes also the sachem, but 
often a different person. 

8. Religion. — With no Bible, no priests, no temples, and 
but vague notions of God, there could be little definiteness or 
system about the Indian's religious belief. To him every 
plant, every animal, every stream and lake had its " Manitou," 
or incarnate spirit, endowed with mysterious power. The 
bones of the beaver were treated with tenderness and carefully 
kept from the dogs, lest the spirit of the dead beaver should 
take offense. In every tribe there was a "medicine man," 
who, by arts of magic, professed to cure sickness, drive away 
evil spirits, and regulate the weather. Their dances had a 
certain religious significance. The first missionaries found 
no word in any Indian language to express our idea of God. 
The Indian's notion of the one Great Spirit is thought to have 
been obtained from the white settlers. He believed in a 
future life, but in the Indian hereafter moral good was not re- 
warded, nor was moral evil punished. Courage and skill, 



AMERICA 400 YEARS AGO. 



7 



even in a thief or murderer, secured admission to the " Happy 
Hunting Grounds"; while the cowardly, the stupid, and the 
weak were doomed to eat serpents and ashes, in gloomy 
regions of shade. 

9. Indian Wars. — The roving and jealous nature of the 
Indians, and consequent disputes over the possession of 
favorite hunting grounds, led to constant warfare among the 
tribes. So universal and so bitter were these tribal 
antagonisms, that combinations of tribes, even for 
defense against a common enemy, were extremely 
rare. Occasionally a chief of powerful personal 
influence was enabled to form a widespread "con- 
spiracy " against the white settlers, and thereby 
sweep whole settlements to destruction. But with 
the death or defeat of the leader, the league soon 
fell to pieces. The tomahawk (a rude stone 
hatchet), the scalping knife, and the bow and 
arrow were the Indian weapons of warfare until 
guns were procured from the whites. Night at- 
tacks, surprises, and ambuscades were their favorite 
tactics. The Indians never fought a pitched battle in open field. 

10. Treatment of Captives. — Prisoners taken in war were 
treated with horrible cruelty. The unfortunate captive was 
often compelled to "run the gauntlet" between two long lines 
of his enemies, each of whom struck him with a club or knife 
as he went by. His tortures were frequently ended by death 
at the stake. The scalp of the victim was always taken by his 
slayers, and the reputation and influence of a warrior were 
determined by the number of these bloody trophies suspended 
from his belt. 

After the coming of the whites the Indians frequently spared 
the lives of captives in order to demand a ransom from their 
friends. Sometimes a prisoner who happened to be fancied by 




8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY 



one of his captors was "adopted," with elaborate ceremonies. 
The captive's life was then spared, and he became a member of 
the tribe of his conquerors. Instances are recorded of white 
captives, who, after years spent among the savages as adopted 
members of the tribe, became so attached to their associates 
that they refused all entreaties of their white relatives to 
return to civilized life. 

II. Relations with White Settlers. — The first European 
explorers of North America were received with honor by the 
natives, and treated as superior beings. More than once a white 
settlement was saved from starvation by the kindness of the 




Wampum, or Indian Money, made of Strings of Shells or Beads. 

Indians in freely sharing their supply of food. As a rule, the 
first settlers were careful to purchase land from the savages 
upon terms satisfactory to the latter. The Indians readily 
sold their lands at what appear to us ridiculously low prices. 
A blanket, a kettle, a knife, a hatchet, a few trinkets were 
sufficient to purchase hundreds of fertile acres. But we must 
remember that one of these simple household articles might 
transform the whole life of a savage. To him, a kettle was a 
complete set of kitchen furniture ; a blanket was an entire 
wardrobe. Moreover, in his sale of lands the Indian seeme:! 
to have an imperfect idea of absolute surrender of the soil. 
He supposed he was granting merely the right of joii-t 
occupancy. The fixed boundaries and palisaded enclosures 3f' 
the lands sold to the whites in time aroused the indignation ot 



AMERICA 400 YEARS AGO. 



9 



the red man, as he realized that his home was gone from him 
forever. It cannot be denied that in many of their land deal- 
ings with the Indians, the unscrupulous action of the white 
settlers was a disgrace to Christianity and civilization. The 
Europeans quarreled with each other over rival titles to 
the soil, totally ignoring the claims of the Indians. It has 
been said that the only landed right recognized as belonging 
to the savages was that of giving up territory. 

In most of the English colonies efforts were made to 
Christianize the savages. Whether from hatred of the white 
man or from the animal nature of the Indian, these efforts 
met with poor success. 

In the conflict between European nations on American soil, 
the Indian tribes were frequently secured as allies by one side 
or the other. Yet their aid, while valuable, was always un- 
reliable.-^ 

12. Character. — In their own wigwams and at their festi- 
vals, the Indians were often talkative and sociable. But on 
most public occasions and in the presence of strangers, they 
were haughty and reserved. They prided themselves on their 
self-control. Surprise, anger, grief, joy, bodily pain, were ex- 
perienced without the slightest outward sign. A wild love 
of liberty and utter intolerance of control lay at the basis 
of their character. Courage, hospitality, and loyalty to friends 
were their redeeming traits. At the same time, they were 
cunning, sly, and suspicious. Their worst trait was the spirit 

1 The governor of Virginia, in a letter to an English general during the French 
and Indian War, wrote : " I think we have secured the Six Nations to our interest. 
They are a very awkward, dirty sett of People, yet absolutely necessary to attack 
the enemy's Indians. They are naturally inclined to drink. It will be a prudent 
step to restrain them with moderation." 

The French commander, Dieskau, about the same time thus expressed himself 
about his savage allies : " They drive us crazy from morning till night. One needs 
the patience of an angel to get on with these devils, and yet one must always force 
himself to seem pleased with them." 



lO HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

of revenge and cruelty, which made them delight in slaughter 
and in torturing their enemies. That the Indian made so 
little progress in civilization, is due partly to the extreme pride 
of his nature, which acknowledged no superior, and partly to 
his superstitious imagination, which made him accept fanciful 
explanations of the phenomena of nature instead of cultivating 
his power of reason in their investigation. " If the wind blew 
violently, it was because the water lizard, which makes the 
wind, had crawled out of his pool ; if the lightning was 
frequent, it was because the young of the thunder bird were 
restless in their nest" No race ever offered greater obstacles 
to its own improvement. 

13. The Modern Indians. — For two hundred years after 
the first permanent settlement in our country, Indian wars 
were a source of terror to the settlers, and influenced to 
a great extent the history of our people. Gradually, however, 
the Indians have been driven west of the Mississippi, and 
have passed under the complete control of the United States 
government. The total number in the United States to-day is 
about three hundred thousand. They are found chiefly in the 
Indian Territory and certain reservations in the western 
states. Several million dollars are spent every year by the 
United States government for their support. The best way to 
care for and control the Indians is a problem still unsolved. 
A few tribes have become civilized and Christianized, but the 
majority still retain their roving disposition and thriftless 
habits. The presence of troops is constantly required to quell 
disturbances that arise among them. 

14. The Mounds of the Mississippi Valley. — At various 
places in the Mississippi Valley are found immense mounds of 
earth of peculiar shape, which were evidently constructed 
many centuries ago. Some of these mounds seem to have 
been intended for works of defense, others for burial places or 



AMERICA 400 YEARS AGO. 



for religious purposes. The great amount of labor required to 
build such immense earthworks, together with the stone imple- 
ments, utensils of pottery, and ornaments of copper they have 
been found to contain, seem to indicate that they were con- 




Section of Mound, Kanawha, W. Va, 



structed by a different race of people from the Indians. It is 
supposed that the Mound Builders occupied the country be- 
fore the Indians, and possessed some degree of civilization; 
but the problem of the origin of these mounds has not yet 
been solved. 

15. Summary. — Let the student write in the form of a composition on 
"The North American Indians," a summary of what he considers the most 
important points mentioned in this chapter. He should first read carefully 
the efitire chapter, then consult other sources of information. The com- 
position may embrace such topics as the origin, classification, appearance, 
manner of life, character, influence, and destiny of the Indian, 

To the Teacher. — Encourage the pupil to bring into his work " outside 
information," and to express his own views. A profitable lesson-period 
may be spent in the reading and discussion of these compositions, sup- 
plemented by the reading of selections from Longfellow's " Hiawatha," 
Cooper's " Last of the Mohicans," and Leland's "Algonquin Legends of 
New England." 

16. Thought Questions. — Mention the names of some famous Indians, 
and tell what you can about them. What tribes once inhabited the state 
in which you live ? Why did the white settlers prefer African slaves to 
Indian slaves ? Mention some Indian names found in the geography of 
our country; some common words borrowed from the Indian language; 
some products of the soil which the Indians taught the white settlers to use. 
If this continent had never been discovered by white men, would the con- 
dition of its native inhabitants to-day be better or worse than it actually 
is ? Give reasons. 



12 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Topical Analysis (America Four Hundred Years Ago). 

j' Eastern part : forest, small clearings. 
I Beyond the Mississippi, wild prairies. 
Pacific slope, mountains, fertile valleys. 
Harbors, rivers, climate, soil fitted it for dense 
population. 
The Peruvians of S. A. 
The Aztecs of Mexico. 
Pueblo tribes in Southwest. 

Savages called Indians inhabited most of conti- 
nent. 

Iroquois — New York. 
Algonquins — New Eng. to S. C. 
( Creeks, 



Physical Features. - 



2. First Americans. < 



Exhibited rude civili- 
zation. 



Classification of 
Indian Tribes. 



East 
of Miss. R. 



Mobilians 



/ Cherokees, etc. 



South. 



West 
of Miss. R. 



Dakotas. 
Sioux. 
Comanches. 
Apaches. 



Totem : 
Government 



13' 



14, 



Personal Appearance. 

Wigwams. 

^ . - Occupation of women. 
Home Life. -{ ^ ^. . 

Occupation of men. 

Condition of children. 
Its significance. 

{Sachem. a 
War Chief, 
f Manitou. 
Religion. \ Medicine Man. 

Happy Hunting Grounds. 
Indian Wars. — Tribal Antagonisms ; Weapons. 

^ Running the. gauntlet. 
Treatment of Captives. ■{ Scalping. 

1^ Adoption of captives. 
Relations with f Friendly at first. 

Whites. \ Became hostile through encroachments of whites. 

Character of Indians. — Their good traits; their bad traits. 

f West of Miss. R., Ind. Ter., and other reservations. 
Modern Indians.-:! Number: about 300,000. 

Supported chiefly by U. S. Government. 

Mound Builders. 



PERIOD OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION. 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 

I. Leif Ericson. 

17, The Northmen. — Northmen, or Norsemen, is a name 
applied to the inhabitants of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. 
In the earUest times these people were noted as bold sailors 
and fierce warriors. Two branches of this great family — the 
Danes and the Normans — between the eighth and the eleventh 
centuries overran England, and conquered that part of France 
called Normandy. These Northmen and their kinsfolk, the 
Saxons, were the founders of the English nation. Most Ameri- 
cans, as descendants of the English, have some of the old 
Norse blood in their veins. 

18. The Voyage of Leif Ericson. — The island of Iceland 
was settled by the Northmen at an early day. From Iceland 




Norse Ship of Tenth Century. 



these Norsemen made their way to Greenland, and established 
a few settlements in that frozen country. In about the year 



14 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 




looo, Leif Ericson, a native of Iceland, sailed -from Greenland 
with thirty-five men in search of a land which a fellow-country- 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 



15 



man, Bjarni, claimed to have seen from his ship some years 
before. Sailing to the southwest, Ericson came in sight of the 
bleak shores of Labrador. He coasted toward the south, prob- 
ably as far as Massachusetts. Finding the climate mild and 
the country inviting, he landed and spent the winter. From 
the quantity of grapes which he found, he named the country 
Vinland. 

19. Result of Leif Ericson's Visit. — Leif Ericson's discov- 
ery attracted but little attention among his people. Several 
voyages were made to the region he had visited, but no perma- 
nent settlement was effected. The Northmen probably regarded 
Greenland as a part of Norway, and Vinland as an adjacent 
island. After a while the settlements in Greenland perished 
and were forgotten. Except to a few Northmen, Ericson's great 
voyage was not known and had no effect upon the civilized 
world. Measured by its results, Leif Ericson's visit to America 
had no historic importance. 

20. The Norse Sagas. — Authority for the account of Leif 
Ericson's voyage is found chiefly in the Norse Sagas." The 




Norse Ruins in Greenland, 



Sagas are rude stories, half poems, in which the family histories 
f that early time were preserved. They were at first memo- 
ized and thus handed down from father to son , in later years 



i6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



they were committed to writing. Like the ballad literature of 
early England, they often contained, with much exaggeration, 
a solid basis of truth. The unquestioned fact that flourishing 
settlements of Northmen existed in Greenland, the nearness of 
Greenland to the continent of America, and the well-known 
adventurous spirit of the Norse sailors, all serve to confirm the 
record of the Sagas. 



II. Christopher Columbus. 

21. The Times in Which He Lived. — The early part of the 
fifteenth century belongs to the period known as the " Dark 




Routes of Trade between India and Cities of Soutliern Europe. 



Ages " of the world. Everywhere the common people were 
oppressed by the nobles, and governments exercised little re- 
straint upon the rich and powerful. In southern Europe some 
enlightenment was found, but in most lands dense ignorance 
prevailed. There were few schools and no printed books. 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 



17 



The maps of that time show that the shape and extent of the 
great continents of Africa and Asia were unknown, as was the 
extent of the seas. It was commonly believed that the earth 
was flat. A few learned men had advanced the theory that its 
shape was that of a sphere, but the suggestion was generally 
looked upon as absurd. The Mediterranean Sea was the great 




1 



Columbus, 



highway of commerce, and few ships ventured to sail beyond 
its waters. About the middle of the century printing was in- 
vented, and the compass came into general use. As books 
became plentiful and cheap, the world began to awaken from 
its long sleep of ignorance. Marco Polo, an Italian, published 
an account of his travels in India and China. His book was 
widely read, and directed the attention of merchants and trad- 
ers to those distant lands. A profitable commerce had already 



i8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



sprung up between India and the cities of southern Europe, 
but goods had to be carried part of the journey overland, and 
this was expensive, troublesome, and even dangerous. The 
great question of the time was, " Is there a water-route to 
India?" 

22. His Home. — Four hundred years ago Genoa was one of 
the richest cities on the Mediterranean coast. Situated on the 
northwest shore of Italy, hemmed in to the sea by mountains, 
her people devoted themselves to commerce, and sailed their 
ships to distant lands. In this city Christopher Columbus was 
born. To a young man of Genoa the sea was the only road to 
fame and fortune, and so Columbus at fourteen years of age 
became a sailor. He not only visited the principal places on 
the Mediterranean, but sailed out into the Atlantic, and coasted 
along the western shores of Europe. 

23. His Plan and How He Came to Form It Columbus 

was attracted to Portugal by the fame of her sailors and geog- 




This Map shows how Columbus (not knowing that America lay in the way) hoped to 
reach Asia and the East Indies by sailing West. 

raphers. In the intervals between his voyages, he earned a 
living in that country by making maps and charts. His trav- 
els and studies convinced him that the earth was round, and 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 



19 



that the great problem of a water-route to India could be solved 
by sailing west. He determined to risk his life on the unknown 
ocean, and prove by actual experiment what learned men before 
him had advanced as mere theory. There were two errors in 
his calculations that made the proposed voyage seem shorter 
and less dangerous than it actually was. He underestimated 
by several thousand miles the distance around the earth ; and 
he overestimated the size of Asia, making it extend too far to 
the east. Thus he thought that a voyage of about three thou- 
sand miles would bring him to India. We know now that this 
was about the distance to the then undiscovered continent of 
America, while India was more than three times as far as 
Columbus supposed. 

24. His Disappointments. — But Columbus was too poor to 
hire a ship and to employ sailors for so long a voyage. He 
applied for aid first to the 
government of his native city, 
Genoa. Failing there, he 
next made application to the 
king of Portugal, a monarch 
whose sailors were then ex- 
ploring the western coast of 
Africa, to see how far that 
continent extended, and to 
find out if India could be 
reached in that way. King 
John submitted the plan of 
Columbus to a council of 
learned men. They declared 
it absurd. Not disheartened, 
Columbus decided to appeal 
to King Ferdinand and Queen 
Isabella, sovereigns of the newly-united kingdoms of Arragon 
and Castile in Spain. These monarchs were in the midst of a 




Queen Isabella. 



20 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



war with the Moors on their southern border, and had no time 
for the enterprise. They listened to Columbus with politeness, 
but put off giving him a final answer. For five years he waited 
and hoped. At last, concluding that nothing could be accom- 
plished in Spain, he started to leave the country. 

25. Queen Isabella's Aid. — Before Columbus reached the 
Spanish frontier, Queen Isabella had been induced to give him 
another hearing. He hastened back, and with all his eloquence 
presented to the queen the arguments in support of his theory, 
picturing the glory and wealth which the success of the under- 
taking would bring to Spain. The noble and sympathetic heart 
of Isabella was touched by his appeal. It is said she even 
offered to pledge her jewels in order to raise the money to 
buy and equip vessels for the voyage. 

26. The Voyage. — Three small sailing-vessels were pro- 
cured, the largest, called the Santa Maria, probably not more than 

63 feet long and 20 feet broad. 
On Friday, August 3d, 1492, the 
little fleet set sail from the har- 
bor of Palos, Spain, amid the 
tears and prayers of friends on 
shore, who never expected to see 
their loved ones again. Colum- 
l)us first sailed southwest and 
stopped at one of the Canary 
Islands.^ Then he struck boldly 
out towards the west on the un- 
known ocean. Weeks passed, 
and no land was seen. The trade- 
winds bore them steadily onward. 
The sailors in alarm began to 

1 On the maps of Columbus, Cipango (Japan), a supposed outlying island of 
India, was due west of the Canary Islands. 




Caravel of Fifteenth Century. 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 



21 



ask, " How can we ever return in the face of this changeless 
wind?" And then the compass began to vary, the needle no 
longer pointing toward the North Star. The frightened men 
threatened to turn back. But the courage of Columbus never 
faltered. By artifices, bribes, and threats he prevailed upon 
the sailors to continue on their course. 

27. Discovery of America. — At last a carved stick and 
limbs of trees were seen floating on the water. The king and 
queen had promised a large sum of money to the sailor who 
should first discover land. Columbus added the offer of a vel- 




Map of Columbus's Route on his great Voyage across the Ocean, 

vet coat. At two o'clock one morning, as Columbus was anx- 
iously looking out from his ship, he saw far away in the dis- 
tance a light moving to and fro, like a torch carried by some 
one on shore. To the great joy of all, when daylight came, 
land was seen — Friday, October 12th, 1492. 

28. The New Land. — The land proved to be one of the 

Bahama Islands, possibly that now known as Guanahani, or Cat 
Island. Columbus named it San Salvador (Holy Saviour). 
He landed and took possession of the country in the name of 
the king and queen of Spain. Believing that he had reached 
islands near the coast of India, he called the natives who came 
crowding around him Indians. Several months were spent in 
coasting among the West India Islands. At last he set out on 



22 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



his return, carrying with him specimens of the strange plants 
and savage men of the lands he had visited. 

29. His Return. — Columbus's return voyage was a stormy 
one. He lost one of his vessels and became separated from 
the other. Fearing that his ship might be wrecked and the 
news of his discovery forever lost, he wrote a full account of 
his voyage and sealed it in a water-tight cask, hoping that if 
his vessel sank this cask might float to land and tell the story 
of his great achievement. Finally, after an absence of nearly 
eight months, his two storm-beaten vessels reached once more 
the little harbor of Palos. The report that Columbus had re- 
turned ahve and successful quickly spread and caused great 
enthusiasm. The king and queen received him with distin- 
guished honor, and everywhere windows and balconies were 
thronged with people eager to catch a glimpse of the great dis- 
coverer. 

30. Other Voyages. — Columbus made three other voyages. 
He established a settlement on the Island of Hayti, and ex- 
plored most of the West India group. In 1498 he discovered 
the mainland of South America, near the mouth of the Orinoco 
River. He never realized, however, that he had found a new 
continent, and died believing that he had reached India and its 
outlying islands. 

31. Last Days of Columbus. — According to agreement with 
Ferdinand and Isabella, Columbus was made governor of the 
lands he discovered. His Spanish colonists, however, were 
many of them wicked, lawless men. They hated Columbus be- 
cause he was an Italian, and they defied his authority. Finally 
they succeeded in having him removed from his office, and he 
was sent back to Spain in chains. Although he was soon set 
at liberty, yet his powerful friends deserted him. The good 
Queen Isabella died, and he was allowed to pass his last days 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 



23 



a poor man, unknown and forgotten. He was buried at Valla- 
dolid, Spain ; afterward his bones were removed, and they now 
rest in the Cathedral at Havana, Cuba. 

32. Results of Columbus* s Discovery It was years after 

the death of Columbus before people ceased to believe that the 
new lands were a part of India. Yet to Christopher Columbus 
justly belongs the glory of discovering the " New World." By 
his genius, courage, and perseverance he conquered the terrors 
of the unknown sea and gave to civilization a continent. The 
recently invented art of printing spread the news of his voy- 
ages. Sailors from all lands steered their ships toward the 
West, anxious to win fame and wealth by some new discovery. 
Spain, following up the advantage Columbus had given her, 
hastened to take possession of the new country, and soon 
became the richest nation in the world. Intelligent men 
everywhere began to ask themselves whether other beliefs of 
their time were not as false as had been that of the shape of 
the earth. They determined to investigate for themselves the 
right and justice of long-established customs. The result was 
a mighty impetus to the liberty, Christianity, and enlightenment 
of mankind. 



III. John Cabot. 

33. His Plan. — John Cabot was an Itahan sailor living in 
Bristol, on the coast of England. Having heard that Columbus 
had succeeded in reaching India, he concluded from a study of 
his maps that a shorter route to that coveted land could be 
found by sailing to the northwest, instead of to the southwest, 
as Columbus had done. He obtained from King Henry VIL, 
of England, permission to sail under the EngHsh flag, and to 
take possession of any lands hitherto unseen by Christian peo- 
ple. The voyage was to be "at his own proper cost and 
charge." He was to have exclusive control of the commerce 



I 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 



25 



with the countries he might discover, and was to pay to the 
king one-fifth of all the profits. 

34. His Voyage and Discovery. — In 1497, John Cabot set 
sail from Bristol with one small vessel and eighteen persons. 
His little ship crossed the ocean in safety, and reached the 
coast of Labrador. Cabot landed, and erecting a cross with 
two flags, — one of England, the other of Venice, his native city, 
— claimed the country for the English king. This was the first 
discovery of the mainland of America, and was more than a 
year before Columbus reached the shores of South America. 
Cabot sailed along the icy and barren coast until his 
provisions gave out, and then returned to England. (See 
map, p. 24.) 

35. The News in England. —The news that Cabot had 
reached India and the territories of the "Great Cham " caused 
excitement in England. He was treated with honor, and was 
known as the "Great Admiral." The king presented him 
with a small sum of money, and promised him an annual pen- 
sion. Although he had found no gold nor seen any human 
beings, yet he believed that the famous Island of Cipango 
(Japan), described by Marco Polo as rich in gold and precious 
jewels, lay near the land he had reached. So he found no 
trouble in obtaining permission to make a second voyage. 

36. Sebastian Cabot* s Explorations. — It is probable that 
John Cabot died before preparations for his second voyage were 
completed. His son, Sebastian, took charge of the expedition, 
and with six ships and three hundred men set sail on the track 
of the former voyage. Reaching the shores of Labrador, he 
coasted toward the north, hoping to find a western passage 
around the land. At last his course was stopped by floating 
ice. Turning his ships, he followed the coast toward the south, 
as far, perhaps, as North Carolina. He landed in several 
places, and found the country inhabited by Indians. His fleet 



26 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



returned to England after an absence of six months.^ Sebas- 
tian Cabot, like his father, believed that he had explored the 
coast of Asia. 

37. Result of the Discoveries of the Cabots. — John Cabot 
first reached the mainland of America, and discovered what 
was for a hundred years the shortest route known across the 
Atlantic (§ 68). After his voyage sailors were no longer afraid 
to leave the southwesterly track of Columbus, but struck out 
boldly into every part of the ocean. On the discovery of 
John Cabot and the explorations of his son, Sebastian, were 
based the claims of England to the continent of North America. 
The English were slow to take possession of the new country, 
allowing more than a hundred years to pass before a perma- 
nent settlement was made. Yet their title to the soil thus 
acquired was not forgotten. When we remember that in later 
years England outstripped all other nations in the struggle for 
ownership of North America, and that now Englishmen, or 
their descendants, control the continent from the Atlantic to 
the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean, 
we can better realize the great importance of the discoveries of 
the Cabots. 

38. Summary. — Leif Ericson, a Norseman, in about the year 1000 
sailed from Iceland to Greenland, and thence to the continent of America, 
landing probably on the coast of Massachusetts. No permanent occupancy 
of the country followed. His voyage was known only by his own country- 
men, and was soon forgotten by them. Centuries afterward vague and 
imperfect accounts of Leif Ericson's visit were found in the Norse Sagas. 

Christopher Colmnbus, an Italian sailor, believing in the unproved theory 
of the roundness of the earth, sailed from Spain under the authority of the 

1 Afterward Sebastian Cabot entered the service of King Ferdinand of Spain, and 
was made Pilot Major of the Kingdom. In his old age he returned to England and 
was granted a liberal pension by King Edward VI. Unlike Columbus, the Cabots 
wrote ho account of their voyages, and we have to depend upon uncertain reports of 
conversations with Sebastian Cabot. Even the burial places of these great mariners, 
who gave to England a continent, are unknown. 



THREE GREAT VOYAGERS. 



27 



Spanish king and queen to find a westerly route to India. He reached 
one of the Bahama Islands on October 12, 1492. On a subsequent voyage, 
six years later (1498), he discovered the continent of South America, but 
died believing that he had reached the coast of Asia. His voyages were 
the means of revealing the American continent to the civilized world. 

John Cabot, an Italian seaman, sailing from England under the authority 
of the king, first discovered the mainland of America in 1497. His son, 
Sebastian, explored the coast from Labrador to Chesapeake Bay. On their 
discoveries and explorations the English claim to North America was based. 

39. Thought Questions. — Find on the map the home of the Northmen; 
give two reasons, from the situation of their country and its climate, why 
the Northmen were great sailors. Measure, by a scale of miles, the dis- 
tance from Norway to Iceland; from Iceland to Greenland ; from Green- 
land to Labrador. To what nation does Greenland now belong Did Leif 
Ericson's voyage or that of Columbus require the greater heroism ? Ex- 
plain why. How do you account for the slight effect produced in the Old 
World by the discoveries of the Northmen t If the art of printing had 
been in use in the year 1000, what might have been the result.'' Debate: 
Resolved that Leif Ericson rather than Columbus should be called the dis- 
coverer of America. Show how Marco Polo's description of the wealth of 
India hastened the discovery of America. Which of the great discov- 
erers were Italian? Why were they not employed by their own govern- 
ment ? How did the United States celebrate the 400th anniversary of 
Columbus's discovery .-^ 

Copy and fill out the following tabular statement ; write as many " Re- 
sults " as you can, and underline the most important : 



The Three Great Voyagers. 



Name. 


Native 
Country. 


Government 
(if any) 

authorizing 
voyage. 


Date of 
Discovery. 


Land Dis- 
covered. 


Results. 


Leif Ericson 












Christopher Columbus 












John Cabot 













28 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



1 8. Voyage. 



Topical Analysis (The Great Voyagers). 

Ti- T> 1 f Home. 
7- His People, i . , . 

Achievements. 

Object. 
Equipment. 
Route. 
Discovery. 

^ ( Upon his own country. 

19. Results. ■{ ^/ • -T J ij 

Upon civihzed world. 

20. Norse Sagas. 

f Ignorance of geography. 

21. Condition \ . , • 

^. -^ Revival of learnmg. 
of his Time, i ^ . . t 5- 
Water-route to India. 

„. „ r City of Genoa. 

22. His Home.^ ^ ^ 

Early life. 



23. His Plan. | 



His belief. 

Errors in his calculations. 



The Return. 



„. ^. r His native city. 

24. HisDisap- ! ^. ^ , 

-<J King John of Portugal. 

' [ Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. 

25. Success. Queen Isabella's aid. 

f Equipment ; start. 

26. The Voyage. <( Course. 

[ Discouragements. 

_. f Land sighted. 

27. 28. Discovery, i ^, . ° 

Claim made. 

J Stormy weather. 
\ Reception in Spain. 

30. Three Other j Settlement on Hayti. 

Voyages. \ South America discovered. 

31. Last Days. His poverty; his grave. 
Re ults ^ ^ world revealed. 

' I Enlightenment of mankind hastened. 

_ r Nativity and home. 

33. John Cabot, i ^ 

■^■-> J I Conditions of his voyage, 

r Equipment. 

34. His Voyage. | ^^^^ discovered. 

36. Sebastian Cabot. Voyage and explorations. 
^ J Shorter route across Atlantic. 

37. esu s. ^ gasis of England's claim. 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



29 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

The Name of the Continent. 

40. Some years after Columbus' discovery, Amerigo Vespucci 
(called in Latin, Americus Vesputius), an Italian navigator, 
employed first by Spain, afterward by Portugal, made several 
voyages to the New World, While in the service of Portugal, 
in 150T, Vespucci explored the coast of Brazil far enough to 
discover that that country was not part of India, as the 
northern lands visited by Columbus and the Cabots were still 
supposed to be. His explorations proved the existence of a 
new continent in the southern hemisphere. The news created 
almost as great an impression in the Old World as had Colum- 
,bus' supposed discovery of a western route to Asia. Miiller, a 
German printer, who published Vespucci's description of this 
new southern continent, suggested that the country be called 
" Terra Americi," the Land of Americus. The suggestion was 
seized upon by geographers, and the name America, first re- 
stricted to South America, was afterward applied to the entire 
continent. 

Spanish Explorations. 

41. Spain^s Adv^antage. — The discoveries of Columbus 
were magnificent triumphs for Spain, and gave her an ad- 
vantage over the other nations of Europe in the race of dis- 
covery and exploration that now followed. Portugal was 
Spain's greatest rival on the seas. To prevent the two 
nations from quarreling over the new lands in the west, the 
Pope issued a decree fixing a dividing line between their pos- 
sessions. He selected a meridian 370 leagues west of the 
Cape Verde Islands, and declared that all heathen lands west 
of this meridian should belong to Spain ; all east of it, to 



30 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Portugal. (See, from map, page 24, how this decision was an- 
other point in Spain's favor.) Every bold Spanish captain 
was now eager to win wealth and distinction by the conquest 
of new countries for his sovereign. Inspired by the heroic 
example of Columbus, they despised the fears that so recently 




Spanish Explorations. 



chilled the bravest hearts. Not strange seas, nor trackless 
forests, nor hostile savages could check these daring explorers. 

42. Florida Discovered. — Ponce de Leon had accom- 
panied Columbus on his second voyage, and was afterward 
made governor of one of the West India Islands. Having 
been deposed from his office, the old man brooded over his dis- 
grace, and longed for the strength and glory of his younger 
days. The Indians had told him that ia the distant lands 
across the sea was a spring that could make forever young 
those who bathed in its waters. De Leon believed the story, 
and at his own expense fitted out an expedition to search for 
the wonderful fountain. On Easter Sunday, 15 12, he came in 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



31 



sight of land, which he named Florida, from the Spanish 
Fascua Florida (Flowery Easter). 

Years afterward he returned to establish a colony. His 
men were attacked so fiercely by the Indians that they had to 
hurry to their ships, and Ponce de Leon was mortally wounded 
by an arrow. Sad that the old man should receive his death 
wound in the beautiful land where he had expected to gain im- 
mortal youth ! 

43. The Pacific Ocean. — Balboa, another Spanish explorer, 
sailed to the Isthmus of Panama, and heard from the Indians 
of a great sea which lay beyond the lands he had touched. 
With a small band of soldiers, he boldly set out through 
forests and across mountains toward the interior of the 
country. At last, from the top of a mountain peak, he caught 
sight of the blue waves of a great ocean. Reaching the shore, 
Balboa waded into the water, and waving his sword above his 
head, claimed for the king of Spain the ocean and all the 
lands it touched (15 13). His discovery proved North America 
to be a separate continent, and not a part of Asia.-^ 

44. The World Circumnavigated Seven years later 

(1520), Magellan, a Portuguese sailor in the service of Spain, 
coasting along the southern part of South America, passed 
through the straits that bear his name, and sailed upon the 
ocean which Balboa had discovered. Magellan gave the name 
Facific to the great ocean because he found it so peaceful dur- 
ing his voyage. Landing on the western coast of South 
America, he was killed in a battle with the Indians. His men, 
continuing the voyage, crossed the Pacific and Indian Oceans, 
rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and reached Spain in 
safety. This was the first circumnavigation of the globe. The 
question of the shape of the earth was thus settled forever. 



1 As to South America see § \o. 



32 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



and a western route to India was found at last. (See map, 
page 24.) 

45. Conquest of Florida. — Ferdinand de Soto had been a 
soldier under Pizarro in the Spanish conquest of Peru. Re- 
turning to Spain, he was ambitious to rival the exploits of his 
former leader. The name of Florida was at that time given to 
the whole of the southern part of what is now the United 




States. De Soto determined to explore this vast region in the 
hope of finding gold* Landing on the western coast of the 
peninsula of Florida, he sent his ships back, and with 600 
men, started through the forests and swamps toward the 
north. His men were dressed in gay uniforms and mounted 
on fine horses. They were supplied with every kind of 
weapon then known, and besides took with them bloodhounds 
to use against the Indians and chains to bind their captives. 
For three years De Soto's band wandered through the present 
states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, in the 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



33 



vain search for gold — their numbers constantly diminishing 
from attacks of the Indians and from wasting sickness. 

46. Discovery of the Mississippi. — At last, in 1541, De 
Soto came in sight of the Mississippi River near where the city 
of Memphis now stands. For the first time the upper course 
of the great " Father of Waters " was seen by a white man.^ 
Exposure and repeated disappointments, however, had broken 
the health and spirits of the adventurous Spaniard, and he died 
the next year. The Indians had feared De Soto, and to con- 
ceal his death from them, his body was buried at midnight in 
the mighty river he had discovered. His men wandered, and 
probably entered the present State of Texas ; then returning to 
the river, they floated down to the Gulf, finally reaching the 
Spanish settlements in Mexico. 

47. Explorations in the West. — While Magellan was mak- 
ing his famous voyage around the world, Mexico with its rich 
mines and ancient civilization (§ 2) was being conquered by 
the Spanish general, Cortez. From Mexico expeditions were 
sent out to explore the country to the north. Coronado was 
the most prominent explorer of this region. California was 
visited and the Pacific coast explored as far north as Oregon. 

48. Texas was traversed from the Gulf of Mexico to its 
northwestern boundary in 1528 by Cabeza de Vaca and three 
companions, the sole survivors of an unsuccessful attempt to 
explore Florida. Having lost their ships off the Florida coast, 
they built a few rude boats and coasted along the shores of the 
Gulf of Mexico until they reached Texas. They landed some- 
where near Galveston Island and passed through the country 
northwest as far as the Rio Grande River. Proceeding to- 

1 Recent investigations indicate that the mouth of the Mississippi was entered in 
1 5 19 by Alvarez de Pineda, an explorer of the Gulf coast. 



34 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



ward the Pacific coast, they were met by some Spanish soldiers 
who escorted them to the city of Mexico. 

49. The First Permanent Settlement. — Pedro Menendez, 
hearing that a company of Huguenots, or French Protestants, 
had formed a settlement on the St. Johns River in Florida, 
resolved to expel the intruders and colonize the country for 
the king of Spain. He set sail with a large fleet and over 
two thousand people. Landing on 'the northeast coast of 
Florida, he laid the foundation of a town which he called St. 
Augustine. This was in the year 1565, and is important, as it 



Menendez surprised the French fort and put to death the help- 
less garrison. Above the mangled corpses this inscription was 
placed : " Not as to Frenchmen, but as to heretics." When 
the news of the massacre reached France, a brave Frenchman 
named Gourges resolved to avenge the deed. He sold his 
property, purchased ships, and with one hundred and fifty 
men sailed secretly to Florida. A Spanish fort near the ruins 
of the former French settlement was surprised and taken, and 




marks the first per- 
manent European 
settlement within 
the present limits 
of the United 
States. Some of 
the old stone 
houses built by 
Menendez' men 
over three hundred 
years ago are still 
standing. 



Old Spanish Gateway at St. Augustine. 
(Called the " City Gate.") 



Pushing through 
the woods with a 
band of soldiers, 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



35 



its garrison hung from the surrounding trees with this inscrip- 
tion above them: " Not as to Spaniards, but as to murderers." 
Gourges did not have enough men to warrant an attack on St. 
Augustine, so he sailed back to France. 

50. Other Settlements. — Before the close of the sixteenth 
century other Spanish settlements were made at Ysleta,^ on the 
Rio Grande, near El Paso, Texas, and at Santa Fe, New Mex- 
ico. The gold mines of Mexico and Peru now became so 
attractive to the Spaniards that they made little effort afterward 
to extend their explorations or settlements. 

51. Extent of Spanish Claims — By virtue of the discov- 
eries of Columbus and the grant of the Pope, Spain made a 
general claim to the whole of the continent of America, save 
Brazil, which she conceded to Portugal (§41). A more definite 
claim was made to the region then known as Florida (embra- 
cing all the southern part of the United States) and to the 
Pacific coast. The Spanish explorers, De Leon, De Soto, 
Coronado, and others, had traversed this territory and had 
established, as they claimed, the right of Spain to its owner- 
ship. The period of Spanish explorations in North America 
covered about a hundred years, from 1492 to the close of the 
next century. 

French Explorations. 

52. The Newfoundland Fisheries. — When the Cabots re- 
turned from their great voyages of discovery, they reported that 
the northern shores they had visited swarmed with fish to such 
an extent as sometimes to stay the speed of their ships. The 
men of Brittany, in France, were hardy sailors and great fisher- 

1 There is some ground for the claim that the settlement at Ysleta was made before 
that at St. Augustine. 



36 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



men, and in a few years after the news of Cabot's voyage 
reached France the banks of Newfoundland began to be fre- 
quented by French fishing-vessels. Cape Breton Island was 
named in honor of the home of these fishermen. The fisheries 
and the fur trade with the 
Indians proved so profitable 
that the attention of the 
French people was directed 
to this part of America, and 
the way was paved for the 




tlement if 62 
(Failure) o 



Si 

Settlement 156* 
(Failure) 

-1 



53. The At- 
lantic Coast. — 

Twenty-seven 
years after Ca- 
bot's discovery 
of the continent, 
nearly the same 
extent of coast 
from Nova Sco- 
tia to Chesa- 
peake Bay was 
explored by Ver- 
azzani, an Italian in the French service (1524). Verazzani 
claimed the country for the French king, and named it New 
France, ignoring the claims of England. 



'ess 



French occupa- 
tion of Canada. 



French Expforations and Settlennents. 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



37 



54. The St. Lawrence River. — Cartier, a native French- 
man, on the day known to the CathoUcs as St. Lawrence Day, 
entered a gulf which he called the Gulf of St. Lawrence 
(1535). He ascended the stream now known as the St. Law- 
rence River, and took possession of the country for the king 
of France. On a subsequent voyage he made an unsuccessful 
attempt to found a colony. Many years afterward the land 
which Cartier then claimed for his king became the great 
French stronghold in America. 

55. Attempts at Settlement in the South. — The French 
Huguenots made two unsuccessful attempts to plant colonies : 
one in South Carolina, the other in Florida. The settlers 
called the first settlement Carolina in honor of the French King 
Charles, or Carolus IX. When their provisions were exhausted, 
they abandoned their fort and sailed back to France. The 
Florida colony on the St. Johns River was attacked by the 
Spaniards under Menendez (§ 49), and all the settlers were 
massacred. 

56. The First Permanent Settlement. — Civil wars between 
Protestants and Catholics so distracted the people of France 
that it was more than fifty years after Cartier's unsuccessful 
colony on the St. Lawrence before another attempt was made 
to establish a French settlement in this region. In 1605, De 
Monts received from the French king, for the purpose of fur 
trade, a grant of land lying between the fortieth and forty- 
sixth parallels (from New Jersey to Nova Scotia). He estab- 
lished a colony at Port Royal (now Annapolis), Nova Scotia. 
This was the first permanent French settlement in America. 

A more important settlement was made three years later 
(1608) by Champlain at Quebec. The founding of Quebec 
marks the beginning of French occupancy of Canada. The 
settlement soon became a city, and was the capital of the 
French possessions in America. 



38 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



57. The Great Lakes. — The French fur traders and trap- 
pers gradually ascended the St. Lawrence. Keeping on good 
terms with the Indians, they pushed along the shores of the 
Great Lakes, until a line of trading-posts was established from 
the St. Lawrence to Lake Superior. To the heroism of the 
missionaries of the Roman Catholic Church, the conquest of the 
vast lake region for France is largely due. Their patient en- 
durance and their self-devotion won the respect and affection 

of the Indians, and gave 
to the French an influence 
over the savage tribes that 
was possessed by no other 
people. 

58. The Mississippi 
Valley. — It was more than 
a hundred years after De 
Soto's discovery of the Mis- 
sissippi before the mighty 
river was again visited by 
a white man. The upper 
course of the stream was 
finally reached by French 
missionaries and traders 
from the Great Lakes. In 1682, La Salle, an explorer of 
the Great Lake region, resolved to sail down the Mississippi 
to its mouth, hoping to discover, by means of the great river, 
a passage across the continent to India ; or, in any event, to 
establish a fort at the mouth of the river, thus securing con- 
trol of its commerce as well as possession of the country for his 
king. Floating down the river with a few companions, he 
reached the broad bosom of the Gulf of Mexico. La Salle was 
impressed with the importance of his achievement, as with 
solemn ceremonies he claimed for the crown of France all the 




EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



39 



country drained by the great river and its tributaries. He 
named the vast region Louisiana, in honor of Louis XIV. 

La Salle resolved to plant a French colony at the mouth of 
the Mississippi. Returning to France, he told his story to the 
King. Four ships were given him, with men and supplies, to 
establish the settlement he desired. Sailing back by way of 
Florida, he missed the mouth of the Mississippi, and landed at 
Matagorda Bay, on the coast of Texas (1685). After several 
vain attempts to reach the Mississippi by land, La Salle was 
assassinated by one of his own men. A settlement made by 
his followers on the Texas coast perished. 

The mouth of the Mississippi was again visited in 1699 by 
Iberville, who made a settlement at Biloxi, in the present State 
of Mississippi, afterwards removing it to Mobile. New Orleans 
was founded in 17 18. 

59. Extent of French Claims. — After the failure of the 
French settlements in South Carolina and Florida, the French 
claim to the Atlantic coast south of the Penobscot River, based 
on Verazzani's explorations, was abandoned to other nations. 
The explorations of Cartier, De Monts, Champlain, La Salle, 
and the French missionaries and traders gave to France pos- 
session of a vast crescent-shaped region from the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence to Lake Superior, thence down the Mississippi Val- 
ley, from the source of the river to its mouth. The French 
continued their explorations in this territory until their posses- 
sions in America were wrested from them by the English in 
1763 (§ 202). 

English Explorations. 

60. Indifference of the English. — After the discoveries of 
the Cabots the English lagged behind the Spanish and French 
in the exploration of the New World. They were disappointed 
at the failure to find the gold, silks, and spices of India. More- 



40 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



over, the Catholic sovereigns of England hesitated to set aside 
the Pope's decree giving the new continent to Spain. Until 
the reign of Queen Elizabeth, nearly a hundred years after the 
Cabots' great voyages, no other noteworthy attempt at explora- 
tion of the western continent was made by the English. 

61. Description of the Florida Coast — Sir John Hawkins 
was an English sailor and slave-trader, who was knighted by 
Queen Elizabeth as a reward for his services in a great naval 
battle with the Spaniards. On one of his slave-trading expedi- 
tions he sailed along the whole coast of Florida. This was in 
the same year as the founding of St. Augustine. Delighted, as 
Ponce de Leon had been, with the beauty of the country, he 
wrote a full and careful description of it, and took back with 
him samples of tobacco, potatoes, and other products of the 
soil. This was the first account of Florida by an Englishman.^ 
Hawkins hoped to draw the attention of his countrymen to this 
beautiful region, that English colonies might be planted there. 
Attempting to reach Florida on a subsequent voyage, he was 
driven by storm to the Mexican coast, where he was attacked 
by a Spanish fleet, and all but two of his ships were captured 
or destroyed. 

62. Sir Francis Drake and the Pacific Coast — Sir 

Francis Drake had served under Sir John Hawkins, and was 
commander of one of the two ships that barely escaped the 
Spaniards on the coast of Mexico. From that day he swore 
vengeance on the subjects of Spain. Setting sail from Eng- 
land with two vessels, Drake attacked one Spanish settlement 
after another. He landed on the Isthmus of Panama, and 

1 In Hawkins's narrative appears the following quaint mention of the use of to- 
bacco : " The Floridians, when they travel, have a kinde of herbe dryed, which, with 
a cane and an earthen cup in the end, with fire, and the dryed herbs put together, do 
sucke thro the cane the smoke thereof, which smoke satisfyeth their hunger, and 
therewith they live four or five days without meat or drink," 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



41 



from near the spot where Balboa made his great discovery, 
caught sight of the Pacific Ocean. Falling on his knees, he 
prayed that he might at some time sail a ship on that sea. 
On his next voyage, with a larger fleet, Drake sailed through 
the Straits of Magellan and out into the Pacific Ocean. 




English Explorations, 



Many Spanish ships loaded with treasures from the mines of 
Peru fell into his hands. ^ Coasting toward the north as far as 
California, he entered a " convenient and fit harbor " (probably 
San Francisco Bay). He found the natives very friendly. They 
insisted on crowning Drake as their king, and he modestly 
accepted the honor for the queen of England, naming the 

1 One treasure-ship alone, captured by Drake, was valued by the Spaniards at 
three million dollars. The memory of the English " Dragon," as he was called, was 
detested by the Spaniards for centuries afterward. 



42 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



country New Albion. He returned to England by way of the 
Cape of Good Hope, and reached his home in September, 
1580. On this long and perilous voyage Drake had inflicted 
untold injury on his enemies, the Spaniards, had planted the 
English flag in regions before unexplored, and had made the 
second circumnavigation of the globe. 

63. The Old Problem. — The hope of finding a western 
route from England to India had not been abandoned. 
Vespucci, Balboa, and Magellan had proved that America was 
not a part of Asia. Yet it was for a long time afterward be- 
lieved that the New World was a group of large islands, and 
that a passage could be found through them to the Pacific. A 
Portuguese sailor. Da Gama, at the close of the fifteenth cen- 
tury had rounded the southern extremity of Africa and dis- 
covered for his nation a route to India in that way. (See map, 
p. 24.) Magellan, sailing under the Spanish flag, passed around 
Cape Horn, and thus opened up to the Spaniards a passage 
to the coveted land. Ineffectual attempts were made by the 
English to find a northeast passage around the northern coast 
of Europe. 

64. The Northwest Passage. — In the efforts to find a pas- 
sage to India around the northern extremity of America, the 
English took the lead. Marti?i Frobisher made three expe- 
ditions with the twofold purpose of finding a northwest 
passage and of searching for gold. He discovered the bay 
now known as Frobisher's Bay and brought back to England 
more than thirteen hundred tons of yellowish ore, which proved 
to be of little value (1576). 

Captain John Davis sailed into the strait which now bears 
his name, but was compelled by the severe weather to return 
to England (1585). 

He7iry Hudson entered the great bay whose name now pre- 
serves his memory (1610). For eight months his ship was 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



43 



locked in by ice. A mutiny then occurred, and Hudson with 
a few companions was set adrift in an open boat and never 
heard of afterward.^ 

William Baffin, with a crew of seventeen men, coasted 
along the western -shore of Greenland, and (in 1616) entered 
the great sea since known as Baffin's Bay. 

(In 1850 the English Captain McClure discovered a "north- 
west passage " ; the ice, however, makes it useless.) 

65. First Attempt at Colonization. — Sir Humphrey Gilbert 
was the first Englishman to secure a charter^ for colonizing the 
New World. He made two unsuccessful expeditions with this 
purpose, the first in 1578. On his second voyage, five years 
later, he took possession of Newfoundland, but, meeting with 
disaster, started homeward without making a settlement. The 
ship in which he sailed went down in a storm with all on 
board. He had refused to return in a larger vessel, remarking 
to the captain, " It is as near to Heaven by sea as by land." 

66. Second Attempt at Colonization. — Sir Walter Raleigh 
was a favorite of Queen 
EHzabeth. He obtained a 
charter for colonizing all the 
country between the parallels 
of thirty-five and forty-five 
degrees (from South Carolina 
to Nova Scotia), and fitted 
out two ships for an explor- 
ing expedition to find a suit- 
able location. The queen 
positively forbade him to join 
the expedition himself, as she 
was unwilling for her favorite 

1 While in the employ of the Dutch the previous year Hudson had discovered the 
river now known as Hudson River (§ 72). 




44 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



to risk his life in " dangerous sea-fights." His vessel landed at 
Roanoke Island on the coast of North Carolina (1584). The 
men were charmed with the magnificent trees, the abundant 
grapes, and the fertility of the soil. They carried back glow- 
ing accounts of the adaptability of the country for settlement. 

67. Settlements on Roanoke Island. — The country was 
named Virginia, in honor of Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen. Be- 
fore the close of the century Raleigh made two attempts to 
establish a settlement. The first colony remained a year on 
Roanoke Island and then, provisions giving out, returned to 
England in one of the ships of Sir Francis Drake, who hap- 
pened to be coasting that way. The second expedition set 
sail for Chesapeake Bay, but also landed on Roanoke Island 
(1587). No communication was had with England by the little 
colony for three years. Finally, when relief was sent to them, 
the settlement was in ruins and no traces of the colonists 
could be found save the word CROATOAN ^ carved on a tree 
near by. Whether they had been murdered by the Indians or 
had wandered into the wilderness to starve is not known 

Raleigh, having spent a large fortune in these unsuccessful 
enterprises, was compelled to abandon the colonization of 
Virginia. He wrote to a friend, however, " I shall yet live to 
see it an English nation." Although his efforts at coloniza- 
tion were failures, yet he had drawn the attention of his 
countrymen to Virginia as a region adapted to settlement. 
The founding of the first permanent English settlement in 
America, twenty years later, was partly the result of his labors.^ 

1 Croatoan was the name of a small island a few miles distant. It is possible 
that the colonists perished in an attempt to remove to this island. 

2 From his returned colonists Raleigh learned the use of tobacco, and introduced 
it at the English court. The custom of smoking or " drinking " tobacco, as it was 
called, soon became general in England. Raleigh also planted some specimens of 
the potato on his Irish estates, and thus brought this important article of food into 
general use. See § 6 1, footnote. 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



45 



68. Third Attempt at Colonization Bartholomew Gos- 

nold in 1602 sailed from England in a small ship with twenty- 
three persons, eleven of whom expected to remain and 
establish a colony. He took the most direct course across 
the Atlantic — between the northern route of the Cabots and 
the southern pathway of the Spaniards — thereby shortening 
the distance a thousand miles (§ 37). Coasting along the 
shores of New England, he loaded his ship with sassafras 
and cedar. A quarrel arose among his men, and all idea of 
a settlement was abandoned. Returning to England, his cargo 
was seized by Sir Walter Raleigh, because the expedition had 
been undertaken without his consent and in violation of his 
"patent " or grant to Virginia (§ 66). 

69. First Permanent English Settlement. — A commercial 
company, known as the "London Company," obtained from 
King James I. a grant to the region embraced in Raleigh's 
former patent. In 1607, a settlement was founded by this 
company at Jamestown, on the banks of the James River, in 
Virginia. This was the first permanent English settlement in 
America. (For full account see §§ 80-82.) 

70. Extent of English Claims. — The discoveries of the 
Cabots and the subsequent explorations of English sailors 
gave England a claim to the eastern coast of North America 
from Labrador to Florida. The western boundary of this 
territory was not defined. The English claim extended in- 
definitely, and was limited only by the extent of the continent. 
Queen Elizabeth made no attempt to establish her title to the 
Pacific coast based on the explorations of Sir Francis Drake. 
The period of English exploration begins with Hawkins and 
Drake, in the last part of the sixteenth century. English ex- 
plorations and settlements in the eastern part of the present 
limits of the United States went hand in hand, and continued 
to near the middle of the eighteenth century. 



46 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Explorations of the Dutch. 

71. Holland in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. 

— It was more than a hundred years after the discovery of 
America when the Dutch began their explorations in the New 
World. In the beginning of the seventeenth century the long 

and bloody struggle 
to free Holland from 
Spanish tyranny came 
to a close, and the 
independence of the 
Netherlands was es- 
tablished. In an age 
of bigotry and perse- 
cution, Holland estab- 
lished religious free- 
dom in her borders 
and became a refuge 
for the oppressed of 
other lands. Enter- 
ing upon a career of 
prosperity, she now 
became one of the 
richest nations in the world. The genius and bravery of her 
naval captains gave her fleets the command of the ocean. 
Half the commerce of Europe was carried in her ships. Her 
great trading companies began to extend their operations 
around the globe. 

72. The Hudson River. — Sir Henry Hudson,^ an English- 
man, after making two voyages in a vain search for a north- 
east passage to the Pacific Ocean, left the service of his coun- 
trymen and entered the employ of a Dutch trading company. 

1 The same Hudson who afterward discovered Hudson's Bay, and perished in its 
waters (§ 64), 




Dutch Explorations. 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



47 



In the Dutch ship " Half Moon," he started on the track of his 
former voyages, with the same purpose in view. Stopped by 
the ice off the northern coast of Norway, he turned toward the 
west, hoping to find the looked-for passage in that direction. 
In 1609, he entered New York Bay, and sailed up the waters of 
the majestic river which now bears his name. Arriving at the 
present site of Albany, and seeing no prospect of reaching the 
western ocean, he returned. 

73. Subsequent Explorations and Settlement.— Dutch sail- 
ors explored the coast from Delaware Bay to Cape Cod. 
Trading-posts were established, and a profitable fur trade 
with the Indians was begun. In 1623 thirty Dutch fami- 
lies, sent over by the Dutch West India Company, established 
themselves on Manhattan Island, the present site of New York 
City. The settlement was named New Amsterdam, and became 
the capital of the Dutch colony. About the same time a settle- 
ment was made at Fort Orange (Albany). The Dutch continued 
to establish trading-posts in the present limits of New York, 
Connecticut, and New Jersey. 

74. Extent of Dutch Claims. — The Dutch claimed the 
valley of the Hudson River, and the country explored by them 
from Delaware Bay to Cape Cod. In honor of the mother 
country, they named this region New Netherland. The period 
of Dutch exploration and settlement, beginning with Henry 
Hudson, 1609, continued for about fifty-five years, when the 
territory controlled by this people was surrendered to the 
English (§ 168). 

The Swedes in America. 

75. Settlement. — Sweden, the home of the ancient North- 
men, had but a small share in the colonization of the country 
that her daring sailors had visited so many centuries before. 



48 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



The Swedish King, Gnstavus Adolphus, the ablest monarch of 
his time, reahzed the commercial advantage to be derived from 
a Swedish settlement in the New World, and resolved to estab- 
lish a colony in America. The brave king was killed in bat- 



This region, embracing the present State of Delaware and 
the southern half of New Jersey, was claimed by them, and 
was called New Sweden. The period of Swedish exploration 
and settlement was brief, covering about seventeen years. 
The territory of the Swedes then passed into the hands of the 
Dutch of New York (§ 167). 

77. Summary. — A German printer suggested the name America, in 
honor of Amerigo Vespucci, who had visited and described the coast of 
Brazil. The name was first restricted to South America, North America 
being considered part of India. 

Within the present hmits of the United States, five European nations 
explored and made claim to territory. Of these the Spaniat'ds took the 
lead. Their explorations, beginning with the voyage of Columbus, ex 
tended over a period of about a hundred years, and were devoted to the 
search for gold rather than the founding of colonies. By men in the 
service of Spain the Pacific Ocean was discovered, the world was firs 




tie, but his plan of a Swedish 
settlement was carried out. In 
1638, a settlement was made in 
the present State of Delaware, 
near the site of Wilmington, 
and was called Christiana, in 
honor of the infant queen, 
daughter of Gustavus Adolphus. 



Swedish Explorations. 



76. Extent of Swedish 
Claims. — The Swedes explored 
the country from the southern 
cape of Delaware Bay to the 
falls of the Delaware River, 
where Trenton now stands. 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



49 



circumnavigated, the southern and western portions of the United States 
were explored and conquered, and the first permanent settlement, St. Au- 
gustine (1565), was made. 



The French explored a portion of the Atlantic coast, and made ineffec- 
tual attempts to plant colonies in South Carolina and Florida. French 
missionaries and traders explored and secured control of the St> Lawrence, 




European Claims, 1650. 



the Great Lake region, and the Mississippi Valley. Their first permanent 
settlements were made at Port Royal, N. S. (1605), and at Quebec (1608). 
For over two hundred years their explorations within the present limits of 
the United States continued. 

The first to discover the mainland of America, the English claimed 
the continent from Labrador to Florida. By an Englishman the second 
circumnavigation of the globe was made, and the coast of California was 



50 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



visited. English ships explored the northern shores of North America 
in the effort to find a northwest passage to India. Two unsuccessful efforts 
were made to form an English settlement on Roanoke Island, N. C. The 
first permanent English settlement was made at Jamestown (1607). Eng- 
land, beginning her active explorations many years later than Spain or 



1500 


1525 


1550 


1575 


0091 


1625 


1650 


1670 
















3 



S ffl < 




P LlA 


N 1 

ATTENT 


S'- H 

MEXICO AND 


f 

O.GOLD MINES 
PERU 


OF 


















lljlllllll 


iifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 




■iiiiii 


pC ■ H 

ios! TRADERS 
^3 (SRiATLA 
° •* 


AND MISSIONA 
<ES AND MISSIS 


lES ALONG 
SIPPI VALLEY . 






















1 




E N 


1 


|5«^°S' ... 


iplilll 


H 

TLEMENT& EX 


"ENDED 
























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SWEDI 
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11 1 













Chart of Discoveries and Explorations. 



France, continued them through her colonists nearly two centuries, or until 
the independence of the United States was won. 

The Dutch explored and claimed the valley of the Hudson, and the coast 
from Cape Cod to Delaware Bay. Their explorations in this region con- 
tinued about fifty years, until the English conquered it from them. They 
established their first settlement on Manhattan Island, the present site of 
New York City (1623). 

The Swedes made a settlement at Fort Christiana, at the mouth of the 
Delaware River (1638). They claimed the present State of Delaware and 
the southern part of New Jersey, but were overcome by the Dutch of New 
York seventeen years after their first settlement. 



EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 



51 



78. Thought Questions. — How do you account for Spain's outstripping 
other nations in the exploration of the New World ? Has Spain any posses- 
sions in America to-day.'' Mention some European nations that took no 
part in the colonization of America. What motives chiefly influenced the 
Spanish explorers ? The French ? The English ? The Dutch ? The 
Swedes ? Which nation was especially successful in its dealings with the 
Indians ? Can you explain why ? What nation was first to prove that the 
New World was not part of India.? How was this done? What can you 
say of the power of the Pope at that time ? What discoveries were the 
result of an effort to find a passage to India ? In what instance did reli- 
gious bigotry lead to a settlement ? What discoveries and explorations 
were made by Italians ? What memorial of Sir Walter Raleigh remains 
in our geographical names ? What were the causes of the failure of the 
first attempts at settlement by the English ? Show how the European 
claims overlapped each other. Copy on blackboard the chart of discoveries 
and explorations. 



Topical Analysis (Explorations and Settlements). 

AMEEICUS VESPUTIUS : 40. | E-P'orations 

Name or contment. 



41. Spain's Advantages. 



42. 



Discoveries of Columbus. 
Decree of the Pope. 
f Purpose of voyage. 



Ponce de Leon. ^ ^ 

Discovery and fate. 

^ r Discovery. 

44. Magellan. 

j' Conquest of Florida. 

45, 46. De Soto, Discovery of Mississippi. 

Fate. 

X « ^ 1. ( Mexico. 

47. Cortez, Coronado, etc. <^ „ 

' ' '1^ California. 

48. De Vaca: Journey through Texas. 

j' Purpose of voyage. 

49. Menendez. -i Settlement. 

Conflict with Huguenots. 

50. Other Settlements. 

51. Territory Claimed. 



52 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



, f Coasts frequented. 

52. Fishermen. < , 

^ { Results. 

. f Coast explored. 

53. Verazzani. < . 

-^■^ I Claim. 

54. Cartier : River discovered. 



f Settlement in South Carolina. 



55. Huguenots. ggt^igj^ent in Florida. 

^ ^ „ , , ^ , . r First permanent settlement. 

56. De Monts and Cartier. ^ „ , , 

Quebec founded. 

„ , , . . r Region claimed for France. 

57. Traders and Missionaries, . r ■ • 

1^ Heroism of missionaries. 

o -r ^ r Discovery of mouth of Mississippi. 

58. La Salle. \ , ^ , , 
I Attempt to plant settlement. 

59. Territory Claimed. 

60. Indifference of English : Causes. 

61. Hawkins : Description of Florida coast, 
r Hatred of Spanish. 

62. Sir Francis Drake. ^ Pacific coast visited. 
[ Circumnavigation of globe. 

[" Success of Portugal. 

63. Water Route to India. \ Success of Spain. 
[ Attempts of English. 

64. Efforts to find a Northwest Passage. 

^•i, ^ f Secures charter. 

65. Gilbert. < , 

Attempts at settlement. 

r Charter. 

66. 67. Raleigh. ^ Voyage of exploration. 
[ Attempts at settlement. 

„ , , f Route. 

68. Gosnold. \ . . 

Attempt at settlement. 

^ ^ , ^ r Grant obtained. 

69. London Company. < ^. ^ ^ 

y First permanent settlement. 

I 70. Territory Claimed. 

r 71. Holland in i6th and 17th Centuries. 

r Purpose of voyage. 
DUTCH. ^ t River discovered. 

73. West India Company : Settlement. 

74. Territory Claimed. 

oiTTT^TATOTi f 7 5' Gustavus Adolphus I Settlement planned by him. 

SWEDISH, i ^ rr\ -J. • 3 

1^ 76. Territory Claimed. 



THE COLONIAL PERIOD. 



FOUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE 
ENGLISH COLONIES. 

79. The True Beginning of Our History. — In the estab- 
Hshment of the first permanent English settlement in America, 
we find the true beginning of our country's history. All that 
comes before this has been preparatory — like the clearing off 
of stones, trees, and undergrowth from a piece of land prepar- 
atory to building a house. Adventurous sea captains, daring 
soldiers, enterprising traders, and gold hunters have passed 
and repassed before our eyes in the preceding pages. Now the 
scene changes, and the curtain rises upon the log-cabin home 
of the settler with its background of growing crops. Hereto- 
fore Spaniards and Frenchmen have been the most conspicu- 
ous figures ; now Englishmen are to play the leading part. We 
shall see how the courage, endurance, and genius for self-gov- 
ernment of these Englishmen overcame every obstacle and 
wrested from other nations the control of the continent. 

THE SOUTHERN COLONIES. 

Virginia. 

80. The Founders of Virginia. — Sixteen years after the 
disappearance of Raleigh's last colony on Roanoke Island, a 
movement was begun that resulted in the first permanent Eng- 
lish settlement in America. Two men stand out prominently 
as the leading spirits in this enterprise, — the one already 
famous as a sailor and explorer, the other as a soldier and ad- 
venturer. Their names were Bartholomew Gosnold and John 
Smith. 



54 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Captain Gosnold, we have already learned (§ 68), made the 
first direct voyage across the Atlantic, and sailed along the New 
England coast. He was now eager to plant a colony in the 
milder climate farther South. 

Captain John Smith was both writer and fighter, and one of 
the greatest adventurers in an adventurous age. While yet a 
boy he left his home, and enlisted as a private soldier in the 
wars of Holland. Joining the forces against the Turks, he was 
captured and made a slave. He killed his master and escaped 

to Russia, and thence when 
only twenty-five years of age, 
returned by way of Germany, 
France, Spain, and Morocco 
to England. The Virginia 
enterprise drew Smith and 
Gosnold together, and they 
became warm advocates of 
the scheme for establishing 
} a colony. 

8i. The London Compa- 
ny. — The expensive failures 
of Raleigh had discouraged 

Captain John Snnith. ... 

all attempts at colonizmg 
Virginia, and no private person was now willing to furnish the 
necessary means for undertaking another settlement. There 
were in England at this time, however, several great trading 
companies that were growing rich from their commerce with 
distant lands. The success of two of these — the Muscovy 
Company and the East India Company — induced a number 
of merchants and prominent men to embark with Gosnold and 
Smith in a similar enterprise. Accordingly two new companies 
were organized with authority from the king to establish 
colonies in America and control the commerce of the new 




THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



55 



settlements. These companies were known as the London and 
the Plymouth Companies, from the residence of their principal 
stock-holders, and they were granted in equal parts the vast 
region between the parallels of 34° and 45°, or what is now the 
southern boundary of North Carolina and the middle of Nova 
Scotia. The southern half of this grant was given to the 
London Company, and was called South Virginia ; the northern 
half to the Plymouth Company, and called North Virginia. 



82. The First Settlement. — Colonists were sent out by 
both Plymouth and London Companies the same year (1606). 
The Plymouth Company attempted a settlement on the coast 
of Maine, but the place was abandoned 
by the colonists after the first winter. 

The London Company was 
more successful. In the last 
days of the year, a little fleet 
of three vessels, under the 
command of Captain Christo- 
pher Newport, set sail down 
the Thames for South Virginia. 
Captain Gosnold commanded 
one of the vessels, and John 
Smith was among the passengers. After a stormy voyage they 
entered Chesapeake Bay, giving the names of the two eldest 
sons of the king to the capes that guard its mouth. Sailing up 
the river known to the Indians as the Powhatan, but called by 
the colonists the James River in honor of their sovereign, they 
chose a flat peninsula on its northern bank as the place for 
their settlement. Jamestown was the name these loyal English- 
men applied to their group of huts. The year 1607 marks 
he date of this, the first permanent English settlement in 
America — just one hundred and ten years after Cabot's 
^reat discovery. 




Settlements in Virginia. 



56 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



83. The First Colonists. — There were one hundred and 

five persons in the little company that laid the foundations of 
Jamestown. More than half of the whole number were " gen- 
tlemen " unused to manual labor, — and so were poorly fitted 
for the rough life of the wilderness. The colonists were either 
unmarried men or else they had left their wives and children 
behind. Consequently they did not look upon their cabins as 
homes in the true sense of the word. Most of them expected 
to find gold and pearls, and in a short time to return to 
England loaded with riches.^ Some were influenced by a 
desire to convert the Indians ; others were fond of adventure, 
and wished to extend the English dominions in America. All 
slept under the trees in the pleasant May weather until their 
log cabins were built. 

84. The First Charter. — The form of government of the 
colonists was as poorly adapted to their surroundings as were 
the settlers themselves. Queen Elizabeth was dead, and the 
feign of James I. had begun. King James was called by a wit 
of the time, "The most learned fool in Christendom," and the 
complicated form of government he devised for the first Virgin- 
ians seems to justify the epithet. Besides the London Com- 
pany there were to be two governing bodies called " Councils," 
one residing in England, appointed by the king, the other, a 
subordinate Council in Virginia, appointed by the English 
Council. The Company was empowered to coin money and 
collect taxes. Perhaps the worst provision was that which 
required all the products of the colonists to be brought to a 

1 In a popular English play of that period, one of the characters, speaking of Vir- 
ginia, is made to say : " I tell thee golde is more plentifull there than copper is with 
us ; and for as much redde copper as I can bring I'll have thrice the weight in golde. 
Why, man, all their dripping pans are pure golde, and all the chains with which they 
chain up their streets are massive golde ; all the prisoners they take are fettered in 
golde ; and for rubies and diamonds they goes forth in holy dayes and gather 'em by 
t he seashore to hang on their children's coates and stick in their children's caps." 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



5; 



public store-house, and there apportioned by an officer as they 
were needed. Thus, as no man could enjoy the products of 
his own labor, there was no reward for industry, and laziness 
was encouraged. 



85. Troubles. — More than once it seemed that the failures 
at Roanoke Island were to be repeated at Jamestown. The 
place was low and un- 
healthful. Malaria arising 
from the marshy banks of 
the river caused slow 
fevers which swept away 
more than half of the 
colonists before the first 
summer was ended. In 
the beginning' of 1608 two 
more ship-loads of immi- 
grants were sent over by 
the London Company. 
The mad search of the 
newcomers for gold caused 
the cultivation of the soil 
to be neglected, while the 
wretched plan of a " com- 
mon store-house " encour- 
aged idleness. In the 
winter of 1609-16 10, pro- 
visions were entirely ex- 
hausted, and the starving colonists began to live on roots and 
acorns, and skins of horses. One man, driven to insanity, 
killed his wife for food. The horrid deed was discovered and 
he was burnt to death as a punishment. Still the suffering 
continued. The miserable survivors in despair resolved to 
abandon Virginia and return to England. They buried their 




Ruins of Jamestown 



58 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

cannon, and embarking in two ships floated down the river and 
out of sight of the huts of Jamestown. Fortunately before 
proceeding far they met Lord Delaware with a fleet and boun- 
tiful supplies. All returned to the deserted settlement, and 
the colony was saved. The next year more colonists arrived, 
and the settlement of Henrico (now Richmond) was founded. 

86. The Great Deliverer. — In the perils of the colony dur- 
ing the first two years of its existence, there was one man whose 
clear head and strong arm repeatedly saved the settlement from 
destruction. Captain John Smith, under the absurd charge of 
an attempt to make himself " King of Virginia," had been at 
first deposed from his position as a member of the Council by 
his jealous associates. He demanded a trial by jury, and was 
triumphantly acquitted, his leading prosecutor being compelled 
to pay him two hundred pounds damages. Disgusted with the 
incapacity of their rulers, the colonists finally made Smith pres- 
ident of the Council, and entrusted the management of their 
affairs to him. " No persuasion," writes an old chronicler, 
" could persuade him to starve." Assembling all the settlers, 
he addressed the idlers thus : " I protest, by that God that 
made me, you shall not only gather for yourselves, but for those 
that are sick ; and he that wiU not work shall not eat." The 
stern soldier's orders were obeyed, and at once there was a 
change for the better. To supply their immediate wants Smith 
led an expedition to the most important village of the Indian 
chief Powhatan, and by force obtained a supply of corn from the 
Indians. The savages regarded the bold captain with fear and 
admiration, and as long as he remained in Virginia gave but 
little trouble.^ But for Captain John Smith the Jamestown 

1 In his " General! Historie of Virginia" Captain Smith relates that on one of his 
exploring expeditions he was taken prisoner by the Indians and sentenced to death, 
but that his life was spared through the entreaties of Powhatan's little daughter, 
Pocahontas. This same Indian maiden was afterward married to John Rolfe, one of 
the settlers. RoHe and his bride visited England, where " Lady Rebecca," as Poca- 
hontas was called, was received with honor at the court, and her beauty much admired. 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



59 



colony would in all probability have perished, and the history 
of English settlement in America would have been changed. 

87. The Indians.— Powhatan was the great chief of the Vir- 
ginia tribes east of the mountains. The influence of John Smith, 
and the marriage of the old chief's daughter, Pocahontas, to 
Rolfe, made Powhatan the firm friend of the whites, and during 
his lifetime the savages were at peace with the settlers. Under 
Powhatan's successor, Opechancanough, two plots were formed 
to destroy the colonists by attacking all their settlements at the 
same time. The first plot was carried out in 1622, when over 
three hundred defenseless whites were murdered. The settlers 
hastily assembled, attacked the savages furiously, hunted them 
as if they were wild beasts, and drove them far to the frontier. 
The second massacre came twenty years later. Governor 
Berkeley raised a troop of horsemen, routed the Indians and 
captured Opechancanough. The old 
chief was nearly blind from age, and 
so infirm that he had to be carried on 
a litter. Yet his mind was vigorous 
and his spirit unbroken. The governor 
expected to send the captive chief to 
England, but he was murdered by one 
of his guards. After this Virginia had 
little to fear from Indian attacks. 

88. Tobacco Culture. — We have 
seen how the Indian custom of smok- 
ing tobacco excited the wonder of the 
first English explorers of America (§61, 
footnote). Sir Walter Raleigh made 
the practice fashionable at the Eng- 
lish court, and it soon became general 
throughout England. The soil and climate of Great Britain 
were not suited to the growth of the plant, so the fashionable 




Tobacco Plants. 



6o 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



English smokers had to depend upon the uncertain crops 
of the Indians for a supply for their pipes. (Cigars were 
not known, and tobacco-chewing was rare.) Soon after the 
Jamestown colony was firmly established, John Rolfe began the 
systematic culture of tobacco. He succeeded so well, and 
found such a ready sale for his crop, that Governor Yeardley 
directed the general attention of the colonists to the production 
of the plant. Tobacco culture soon became the chief occupa- 
tion of the Virginians. Every year thousands of hogsheads of 
the valuable product were exported to England. All other oc- 
cupations were neglected, and the tobacco industry became an 
important element in the materia], political, and social history 
of Virginia. 

89. The First Assembly and Constitution.— In the first five 
years of her existence Virginia had three different charters. 
The third charter abolished the London Council, and allowed the 
Company to govern their colony directly. A resolution was 
passed by the Company granting to the Virginians the right to 
choose for themselves a "General Assembly" to make their 
laws. Every freeman was allowed to vote, and two " burgesses " 
were elected from each "plantation," or settlement. The laws 
of the Assembly were to be approved by the London Company 
before they could be binding. The first Assembly consisted 
of twenty-two members. It met at Jamestown, 16 19, and was 
the first law-making Assembly chosen by the people that ever 
met in America. 

Two years later (162 1) the colonists were granted a written 
constitution, defining their rights and providing for regular 
meetings of the Assembly.^ 

1 This first American constitution was the work of Sir Edwin Sandys, one of the 
ablest friends of Virginia. He had been chosen treasurer of the company against 
the wishes of King James, who is said to have remarked, " Choose the devil if you 
will, but not Sir Edwin Sandys." 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



6i 



90. Wives for the Settlers. — The wise heads in the 
London Company realized that their colony would never 
succeed as long as the settlers looked wistfully back to Eng- 
land as their home. So the plan was devised of sending out 
from England numbers of young women as wives for the 
Virginians, to make homes for them in the wilderness, and 
thus awaken in the men an interest in the prosperity and good 
government of the colony. The young women were to be of 
good character, and the cost of the passage of each (one 
hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco) was to be paid by the 
man who chose her as his wife. The damsels, too, were not 
to be " enforced to marry against their wills." This curious 
plan succeeded finely. When the first ship-load of ninety 
maidens arrived at Jamestown, a crowd of young men and old 
bachelors who were fortunate enough to have the required 
amount of tobacco, assembled to greet them. Courtships 
were made in short order. As soon as a man made satis- 
factory arrangements with a partner, he paid for her passage, 
and they were married at once. There was no trouble in find- 
ing husbands for all, and the ninety brides were so well 
pleased that they wrote back home and persuaded sixty more 
maidens to come over, and make sixty more lonely bachelors 
happy. 

91. The First Slaves. — The same year that marks the 

meeting of the first Assembly and the beginning of free gov- 
ernment in Virginia, was also the beginning of African slavery 
in this country. In 1619 a Dutch vessel sailed up the James 
River and offered for sale to the planters twenty negroes 
captured on the coast of Africa. The slaves were bought and 
put to work on the tobacco plantations. Their labor was 
found profitable, and when others were brought over a ready 
sale was found for them. In a few years slaves were found in 
greater or less numbers in all the American colonies. 



62 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



92. Fall of the London Company. — King James did not 
like the spirit of liberty and opposition to royal power that 
was displayed in the great meetings of the London Company. 
He sent a committee to Virginia to inquire into the affairs of 
the colony. The Assembly refused to submit their records; 
and when the king's commissioners bribed the clerk to sur- 
render them, the Assembly punished their faithless servant by 
cutting off his ear. But, as everybody expected, the obstinate 
king carried his point. The charter was annulled, and the 
London Company, that had controlled the colony for seven- 
teen years and had laid the foundation of free government, 
was dissolved. Virginia became a royal colony and passed 
under the direct control of the king (1624). 

93. The <<01d Dominion.'* — About the middle of the 
seventeenth century Oliver Cromwell led a revolution in Eng- 
land against the authority of the king. The armies of 
Charles I. (the successor of James I.) were beaten, and the 
king was tried and beheaded by his subjects. For eleven 
years England was under the rule of a "Lord Protector" 
instead of a king, while the late king's son, afterward 
Charles II., was a wandering exile. During this period many 
of the king's followers fled to Virginia, among them John 
Washington, the great-grandfather of George Washington, and 
also the ancestors of Jefferson, Patrick Henry, the Lees, 
Randolphs, and other families afterward prominent in history. 
The sympathies of the Virginians were with the royalists, and 
these exiles were warmly welcomed. In one of her charters, 
Virginia was called " His Majesty's Ancient Colony and 
Dominion of Virginia." For this reason, and because of her 
loyalty to the exiled monarch, Virginia received the name of 
the "Old Dominion." 

94. Bacon's Rebellion. — Though loyal to the King, the 
colonists grew more and more discontented with the oppressive 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES 



63 



laws of England and the misrule of the governors. During an 
Indian attack, Governor Berkeley ordered the troops that were 
ready to march against the savages to disband, — probably be- 
cause an Indian war would interfere with his profits from their 
trade. The people chose Nathaniel Bacon, a young and popular 
planter, as their leader, and without waiting for authority from 
the governor, they marched against the Indians and defeated 
them. In the meantime Berkeley declared Bacon and his 
men rebels. Bacon's party then met and signed an oath to 
resist the governor and any forces that might be sent over 
from England, until the king should be informed of the true 
state of affairs. Civil war followed between the adherents of 
Bacon an^ those of the governor. Bacon's party was suc- 
cessful, and the governor was driven out of Jamestown. A 
new Assembly met and passed a number of laws for the relief 
of the people. In the midst of his success, however. Bacon 
died of fever caused by exposure. No leader was found to 
take his place, and his party fell to pieces. Berkeley returned 
to Jamestown and, seizing the government, began to take 
vengeance upon those who had opposed him. King Charles 
II. finally removed him from office,^ remarking, " The old fool 
has taken away more lives in that miserable country than I 
have for the murder of my father." 

95. Settlement of the Valley. —.The region between the 
Blue Ridge and the Alleghany, known as the "Valley of 
Virginia," was settled by a class of people different from the 
colonists on the banks of the James. The first wave of im- 
migration into this section came from Pennsylvania, and was 
composed of Germans and Scotch-Irish, who were attracted by 
reports of the fertility of the soil. Later, numbers of Scotch- 
Irish Presbyterians, seeking greater religious freedom, came 

1 For thirty-five years Berkeley had been a leading figure in Virginia history, 
having held the ofifice of governor during the greater part of this time. 



64 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



from eastern Virginia to the upper valley, and many families 
were brought direct from Scotland and Ireland. The large 
tobacco plantations, so numerous east of the mountains, were 
not found in the valley ; so in their manner of life, as in their 
religion, the Virginians of this section differed from their 
Church-of-England neighbors across the mountains. 

96. Later History of the Colony. — By the close of the 
colonial period the struggling settlement on the banks of the 
James had grown to a prosperous colony of over half a million 
inhabitants. On account of the unhealthfulness of its site, 
Jamestown was abandoned, and Williamsburg became the 
capital. This town was founded on the spot where Bacon and 
his men had taken the oath to resist the king's troops. Its 
streets were planned in the form of a W and M, in honor of 
William and Mary. Here William and Mary College, the 
principal seat of learning in the Southern colonies, was located. 
Under Governor Spottswood, the pirates of Chesapeake Bay 
were routed, and their famous leader, " Blackbeard," was killed. 
Spottswood established the first iron furnace in Virginia, and 
did much to develop the resources of the colony. 

97. Summary. — Virginia, the oldest English colony, was founded at 
Jamestown in 1607, by the London Company, a mercantile body that 
wished to extend its trading operations by forming settlements in America. 
The charter obtained from King James I. provided a wretched form of 
government. Sickness, starvation, and quarrels brought the settlement to 
the verge of ruin. John Smith saved the colony from destruction. Young 
women were brought over from England as wives for the settlers. The 
importation of needy adventurers ceased, and a stream of immigration 
from the best classes of England flowed into the colony. The use of 
tobacco was learned from the Indians, and the culture of the plant became 
so profitable that it formed the universal occupation of the settlers. In 
the year 161 9, the first colonial assembly met. In the same year the first 
African slaves were introduced. Seventeen years after the founding of 
Jamestown King James dissolved the London Company and made Virginia 
a royal colony. The misrule of Governor Berkeley led to the civil strife 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



known as " Bacon's Rebellion," which was brought to a close by Bacon's 
death. Throughout the colonial period Virginia held a leading position 
among the English colonies. 

Maryland. 

98. Settlement. — Twenty-seven years after the settlement 
of Jamestown, two English ships sailed into Chesapeake Bay 
bearing men and supplies for the founding of a new colony 
north of the Potomac. ^ 



They sailed up the 
broad bosom of the 
Potomac, entered a 
small tributary near its 
mouth, and landing, 
established their first 
settlement, which they 
called St. Mary's 
(1634). Land was 
purchased from the In- 




dians, together with 

part of the growing crops. The Indian women taught the 
settlers how to make " hoe-cakes " of corn meal, and the In- 
dian men helped them to hunt the deer. A large proportion 
Df the settlers were laboring men. More fortunate than its 
Virginia neighbors, the new colony escaped the perils of starva- 
;ion and Indian massacres, and was soon firmly established. 

99. The Founders of Maryland. — These colonists were 
;ent out from England by Cecil Calvert. George Calvert, the 
irst Lord Baltimore, was a rich English nobleman and a 
nember of the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholics were 
t that time persecuted in England, and George Calvert wished 
found a refuge in America for his brethren. He first tried 
Newfoundland, but found the climate there too severe. He 



66 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



then went to Virginia with a number of followers. On his re- 
fusal to take the "Oath of Supremacy" (acknowledging the 
king of England as the head of the Church) the Virginians 
requested him to leave their colony. Returning to England, 
he obtained from his friend, King Charles I., a grant to that 
part of Virginia lying north of the Potomac. The new 



tor, as Lord Baltimore and his successors were called, was 
authorized to make all necessary laws, with the consent of the 
freemen ; and these laws were to be binding without the ap- 
proval of the English king or Council. The colonists were to 
be free from taxation by the crown, and were to enjoy all the 
rights of Englishmen. The king only asked, as a token of 
allegiance, two Indian arrows every year. 

loi. Territorial Disputes. — There was much dissatisfac- 
tion among the Virginians on account of the fact that the 
Maryland grant embraced territory included in their charter. 
William Clayborne, a member of the Virginia Council, had 
established a trading post on an island in Chesapeake Bay 




colony was to be called 
Maryland, in honor of Hen- 
rietta Maria, wife of the 
king. Just before his char- 
ter was issued Lord Balti- 
more died. His son, Cecil 
Calvert, the second Lord 
Baltimore, carried out his 
father's plans. 



George Calvert, First Lord Baltimore. 



100. The Government of 
the Colony, — The charter 
of Maryland contained a 
more complete grant of 
power than that of any 
other colony. The proprie- 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



67 



within the disputed limits. When the Maryland authorities 
demanded that he should pay for a license to trade, he raised 
a body of troops and resisted. He was defeated, however, 
and his property seized. Clayborne fled to Virginia, and after- 
ward went to England to make his complaint to the king. The 
king, however, decided against him. 

After Pennsylvania was founded, a dispute arose between 
that colony and Maryland as to the boundary between them. 
The present line was finally agreed upon, and was called 
" Mason and Dixon's Line," from the two surveyors by whom 
it was laid off. 

102. Religious Troubles. — Though Maryland was founded 
as a refuge for oppressed Catholics, yet Christians of every de- 
nomination were welcomed. Her government was the first in 
the history of the world under which all Christians possessed 
equal rights.^ During Cromwell's rule in England, the govern- 
ment of Maryland passed into the hands of Protestants. Sad 
to say, they began to persecute the Catholics, and civil war fol- 
lowed. The Protestants under Clayborne, who was now at the 
head of the Puritan party, were successful, and the Governor 
of Maryland was compelled to flee from the colony. After the 
death of Cromwell, Lord Baltimore's authority was again estab- 
lish~ed and religious toleration was restored. 

103. Changes in the Government. — In 1692, King William 
annulled Lord Baltimore's charter, and for twenty-five years 
Maryland remained a royal colony under the control of govern- 
ors appointed by the king. The capital was moved from St. 
Mary's to Providence, afterward called Annapolis in honor of 
the queen. The fifth Lord Baltimore, having changed his 
religion, was recognized as Proprietor, and under his son the 

1 In 1638 William Lewis was fined one hundred pounds of tobacco for abusing 
Protestants, and forbidding his servants to read Protestant books. 



68 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



old government was reestablished, and remained in force until 
the Revolution. 

104. Summary. — George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, a Roman Catholic 
nobleman, in order to found a refuge for his oppressed brethren, obtained 
from the King a grant to that part of the territory of Virginia lying north of 
the Potomac. The first settlement, St. Mary's, was founded in 1634. The 
charter was extremely liberal. All Christians were allowed equal rights. 
William Clayborne of Virginia, with a band of followers, resisted the 
authority of Maryland over a certain island in the Potomac. War followed 
between Clayborne's followers and the troops of the Governor. Clayborne 
was defeated and driven from the colony. Afterward he returned, put him- 
self at the head of the Protestant party, and compelled the Governor to 
flee. The Protestant rulers then treated the Catholics with great severity. 
Finally Calvert's authority was reestablished. King William annulled the 
charter and for twenty-five years Maryland was a royal colony. Then the 
fifth Lord Baltimore was recognized as proprietor and the old proprietary 
government was restored. 



North Carolina. 

105. Settlement. — The first attempts to plant an English 
settlement in the New World were on the coast of the present 
State of North Carolina (§ 67). After the failure of Sir Walter 
Raleigh's last colony, however, this region was for a long time 
abandoned. About fifty years after the founding of James- 
town, settlers from Virginia made their way through the forests 
toward the south, and established new homes for themselves 
on the shores of Albemarle Sound. A colony of Englishmen 
from the West India Islands a few years later founded a settle- 
ment on the Cape Fear River in the southeastern part of the 
present State (1663). 

106. First Proprietors. — This region was embraced in the 
original limits of Virginia, and the Virginia Assembly asserted 
their authority over it by issuing grants of land to settlers and 
trading companies. In 1663, King Charles II., ignoring the 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



69 



claims of Virginia, gave to the Earl of Clarendon, the Duke of 
Albemarle, and six other noblemen, as a reward for their faith- 
fulness to him, all the vast 
region between the pres- 
ent states of Virginia and 
Florida. The name Caro- 
lina had been given by 
the French (in honor of 
their King, Charles IX.) 
to their fort on the South 
Carolina coast which had 
been destroyed by the 
Spaniards (§ 55). The 
name was retained by the English in honor of King Charles II. 
of England. 

107. The Charter. — The charter of Carolina, as of Mary- 
land, allowed great freedom of action to the proprietors. They 
could make any laws whatever, provided they were in accord- 
ance with the laws and customs of England. A most important 
provision, however, was that no laws could be passed without 
" the advice, assent, and approbation of the freemen " or their 
delegates, who were to be assembled from time to time. 

108. The Fundamental Constitutions. — The noblemen who 
owned Carolina did not believe in giving much power to the 
common people. With the aid of the philosopher, John Locke, 
an elaborate plan of government, called the " Fundamental 
Constitutions," was prepared for the colony. By these Consti- 
tutions the eldest proprietor was made a sort of king of the 
province. The other proprietors were to be officers with high- 
sounding titles. There was to be a parliament elected by the 
people, but it could discuss only such measures as were pro- 
posed by the Grand Executive Council appointed by the pro- 




70 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



prietors. The inhabitants of the colony were to be divided 
into classes called barons, landgraves, caciques, and commons, 
and the commons were allowed no share in the government. 

109. Effect of Misgovernment. — From the first, the colo- 
nists regarded the Fundamental Constitutions as unsuitable 
and oppressive. They claimed that according to the charter 
their consent was necessary to any change of government. 
Yet for twenty-five years the proprietors vainly attempted to 
enforce their absurd plan upon the settlers. Moreover, the 
governors appointed by the proprietors were nearly all tyranni- 
cal and worthless men. The result of so much misrule was to 
give the people a contempt for all government, and to retard 
the growth of the colony. 

no. A Royal Colony. — For about seventy years North 
Carolina and South Carolina were considered one colony, 
although each had a separate governor and assembly. The 
proprietors, after a long struggle with their obstinate colo- 
nists, finally abandoned the Fundamental Constitutions and 
allowed the settlers to govern themselves according to the 
charter of Charles II. In 1729, the proprietors sold all their 
rights to the King, and North and South Carolina became royal 
provinces. 

Summary. See § 116. 

South Carolina. 

III. Settlement. — In the southern part of the immense 
region known as Carolina, two rivers, the Ashley and the 
Cooper, flowing through a fertile and lovely district, unite 
their waters just before reaching the sea. On the western 
bank of the first named of these streams, two ship-loads of im- 
migrants, sent out from England by the Lords Proprietors oi 
Carolina, landed and began to build their future homes (1670). 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



71 



The new settlement was named Charleston, in honor of the 
English king. A few years later it was removed to the strip 
of land between the Ashley and the Cooper rivers, the present 
site of the city of Charleston. 

112. The Settlers. — The first settlers of Charleston were 
a mixed population, including English, Irish, Scotch, French, 
and Germans. On account of religious persecution at home, 




Rice Harvest. 



large numbers of French Protestants, known as Huguenots, 
came to the colony. These were intelligent, orderly, indus- 
trious, and religious, — an excellent class of immigrants. 

113. Rice-Culture. — A sea captain returning from a voyage 
to Madagascar gave some rice seed to one of the colonists. 
The seed were planted, and the climate and soil proved to be 
admirably adapted to rice production. A machine for husking 
the seed having been invented, rice culture soon became a 
leading occupation of the people. 

114. Troubles with the Spaniards and the Indians. — The 

Spaniards at St. Augustine regarded the settlers of South 
Carolina as intruders upon their territory. In 1686 a com- 
bined force of Spaniards and Indians attacked and destroyed 
m English settlement at Port Royal. Some years later, the 
South Carolinians made an expedition against St. Augustine, 



72 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



in which they burned the town but failed to take the fort. 
Troubles with the Spaniards and their Indian allies continued 
until the new colony of Georgia was formed between South 
Carolina and the hostile Spaniards. 

115. Government of the Colony. — At first South Carolina 
was governed as part of Carolina. The " Fundamental Con- 
stitutions " met the same resistance from the southern colo- 
nists that it did from their northern neighbors. In 17 11, the 
people of South Carolina rose against the rule of the proprie- 
tors, and invited their governor to hold his office in behalf of 
the king. On his refusal, they chose one of their own number 
governor, and proceeded to control the government as a royal 
colony. The king approved their action. In 1729, North and 
South Carolina were finally separated, and both were declared 
royal provinces. 

116. Summary, the Garolinas. — In 1663, King Charles II. granted to 
the Earl of Clarendon, the Duke of Albemarle, and other noblemen the 
vast region lying between Virginia and Spanish Florida (including a part of 
what was then the territory of Virginia). A short time before this grant 
was made a few colonists from Virginia and some Englishmen from the 
West Indies had made settlements on Albemarle Sound and Cape Fear 
River. In 1670, Charleston was founded by settlers sent by the proprietors 
direct from England. The northern and southern parts of Carolina were 
allowed each a separate governor and Assembly. There was much misgov- 
ernment, especially in the northern colony. The introduction of rice-cul- 
ture added prosperity to South Carolina. The Spaniards and Indians of 
Florida were a source of danger to the southern colony until Georgia was 
founded. About seventy years after the first settlement. North Carolina 
and South Carolina were separated and both became royal colonies. 

Georgia. 

117. The Territory of Georgia was originally part of the 
Carolina grant. When South Carolina became a royal prov- 
ince, the SavannalV River was made its southern boundary, the 
country between ti^at stream and Spanish Florida being r^ 

\ 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



73 



tained by the king as "crown lands." George II. granted the 
region lying between the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers to 
their sources, thence due west to the Pacific, to James Ogle- 
thorpe and a company of "trustees," who named their pro- 
posed colony Georgia in honor of the king. 

ii8. The Founders of Georgia. — At that time the English 
jails were full of people who were imprisoned because they 




could not pay their debts. James Oglethorpe was a brave soldier 
and member of parliament who was touched with pity for the 
sufferings of the debtors. He induced others to join him in 
raising a fund for transporting the better class of these debtors 
to America, where they would be able to make homes for them- 
selves and to begin life anew. So much interested was he in 
his unselfish enterprise, that he came to America himself, 
cheerfully gave his money, and bravely endured every danger 
in the interest of the colony. 

119. First Settlement. — Oglethorpe obtained his grant 
iFrom the king in 1732 (the same year that Washington was 



74 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



born). He came over with his colonists, and the next year 
founded the city of Savannah on a bluff overlooking the 
Savannah River. 

120. Growth and Government of the Colony. — Besides 
the English debtors large numbers of persecuted German Prot- 
estants came to Georgia. All laws were made by the trustees, 



colony. Oglethorpe was very successful in his dealings with 
the Indians. Tomochichi, a neighboring chief, like Powhatan 
in Virginia, and Massasoit in Massachusetts, was the firm 
friend of the whites. 

121. Preaching of the Wesleys and Whitefield. — The 

brothers John and Charles Wesley accompanied Oglethorpe to 
Georgia, the former as missionary of the English Church. For 
three years John Wesley faithfully ministered to the settlers 
and Indians, undergoing every hardship in his laborious mis- 
sion. Returning to England, he and his brother Charles be- 
came the founders of the Methodist Church. George W^hitefield 




James Oglethorpe. 



and the colonists 
were allowed no 
share in the gov- 
ernment. Religi- 
ous toleration was 
granted to all save 
Roman Catholics. 
Slavery was prohib- 
ited and the impor- 
tation of rum for- 
bidden. However, 
the government of 
the trustees was 
unpopular, and in 
1752, Georgia 
became a royal 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



75 



joined them, and succeeded John Wesley as missionary to 
Georgia. Whitefield was a pulpit orator of wonderful power. 
His dlear, musical voice could be heard distinctly by an audi- 
ence of twenty-five thousand people. He traveled through 
the colonies from Georgia to Massachusetts, preaching in the 
open air to vast crowds and exerting a powerful influence 
wherever he went. 



122. Troubles with the Spaniards. — The Spaniards of 
Florida constantly threatened the destruction of the Georgia 




settlements. There were invasions and counter-invasions until 
the close of the French and Indian War (1763) when Spain 
gave up to England all Spanish territory south of the Altamaha 
River. The limits of the colony of Georgia were then extended 
to include the present states of Georgia, Alabama, and Missis- 
sippi. 

123. Summary. — Georgia, the youngest of the original thirteen colo- 
nies, was founded by James Oglethorpe as a refuge for the unfortunate 
debtor class of England. The territory of the colony lay between the 



76 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Savannah and Altamaha Rivers. In 1733 the first settlement was made at 
Savannah. The Wesleys and George Whitefield visited the colony and ex- 
erted a great influence by their preaching. Twenty years after the founding 
of Georgia, Oglethorpe's " trustees " surrendered their rights of govern- 
ment, and the colony passed under the immediate control of the king. 
There were occasional conflicts with the Spaniards on the south, until 
Florida was ceded by Spain to England. The territory of Georgia was then 
extended west and south to the Mississippi. 

124. Thought Questions. — Account for the gradual loss of promi- 
nence of the Spanish in American history. Why were the Swedes and 
Dutch so slow in attempting settlements } What points of superiority over 
all their competitors did the English possess in the struggle for possession 
of the continent ? In what sense was Raleigh the founder of Virginia ? 
What motive actuated the London Company in their colonization enter- 
prise ? What rights were granted to the Virginians by this company ? 
What ideas resembling that of a " common store-house " are held in modern 
times ? Show that they are as foolish to-day as they ever were. What do 
you think of John Smith's rule that "he who will not work, shall not eat 
In what ways did the profitableness of tobacco culture influence Virginia 
history? Was Bacon a rebel.'' What do you think of the justice of his 
course ? Why were the " Scotch-Irish " so called? How did the Virginians 
regard the first settlers of Maryland ? What motives led to the founding of 
Maryland? How did it happen that two colonies were formed in Carolina ? 
Compare the condition of debtors to-day with their condition 150 years ago. 
What resemblance is there between the circumstances of Oglethorpe's 
founding of Georgia and Baltimore's founding of Maryland ? What dif- 
ference do you notice ? 

Fill out the following table for Southern colonies : 



Colony. 


First 
Settlement. 


Date. 


By Whom 
Founded. 


Religion of First 
Settlers. 


Motive of 
Founders. 


Virginia . . 
Maryland . . 
N. Carolina . 
S. Carolina . 
Georgia . . 


Jamestown 


1607 


London Co. 


Church of England 


Commercial gain. 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



77 



Topical Analysis (the Southern Colonies). 

. __ _ , r A glance backward. 
79. A New Epoch. ^ , , 

glance forward. 

)0. Gosnold and Smith, i ^^^^ history. 

New plan. 



Si. Trading Companies. ■{ 



I" Plymouth Company. 
1^ London Company. 



84. First Charter. 



S2. Settlements. 1 ^^7"* Company (failure). 

1^ By London Company (success). 

o T X ^ 1 • r Condition. 
83. Jamestown Colonists. ^ ^ 

[ Lxpectations. 

Numerous "Councils." 
Public store-house. 

f Sickness. 

85. Settlement Abandoned. -| Starvation. 

Lord Delaware's arrival. 

86. Services of John Smith. 

o ^, , r Pocahontas and Powhatan. 

87. The Indians. ^ ^ , , , , 

Opechancanough s plots. 

88. Tobacco Culture. 

r Three charters. 

89. Government, i First Assembly. 

First Constitution. 

^ . , Homesickness of settlers. 

90. Permanency Assured. ^ ,. . r ^ 

Peculiar plan or the Company. 

91. The First Slaves. 

^, . r His opposition to the London Company- 

92. The King's i , . . ^r- • ■ ^ 

, , , < Action of Virginia Assembly. 

Interference. \ . , 

^ A royal colony. 



93. Royalist Emigration. 



Civil war in England. 
Exiles welcomed to Virginia, 
r Origin. 

94. Bacon's Uprising, -i Strife. 

[ Result. 

95. Settlement of the Valley. 

I Growth. 

96. Later History. ^ Williamsburg. 

Gov. Spottswood. 



78 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



98. First Settlement. 

f George Calvert's object. 

99. Founders of the Colony. ^ Attempts at colonization. 

Cecil Calvert. 

_, ^ f Authority of the proprietors. 

ICQ. The Charter. ^ . ^ ^ , • 

rnvileges or colonists. 



Id. Territorial Disputes. 



[02. Religious Troubles. 



With Virginians. 

With Pennsylvania. 
Rule of Catholics. 
Rule of Protestants. 
Civil war. 



^, . „ , ( Made royal colony. 

103. Changes in Government. ^ • . . . j 

Proprietary government restored. 



[05. Settlement. 



J 



Raleigh's attempts. 
Albemarle Sound. 
1^ Cape Fear River. 
The proprietors. 
106. Carolina. ^ The grant of territory. 
The name. 

( Authority of the proprietors. 
[ Rights of the colonists. 

J Author. 
* \ Provisions. 
The Constitutions. 
Conduct of Governors. 
Result. 

, , „. , f Carolina divided. 
Later History. < . , , 

1^ A royal colony. 

^ 1 ( Location. 

Settlement. < 

[ Name. 

« J J- f By whom sent. 
Settlers, i J. , , 

1^ Mixed population. 

Rice Culture. 

Contests with the Spanish in Florida. 

_ , f Uprising of the colonists. 

Government. < . ° , 

A royal colony. 

Limits of the grant. 

Name. 

The man. 



107. The Charter. 



[08. Fundamental Constitutions. 



109. Misgovernment. 



113- 
114. 



117. The Territory. 



18. The Founder. \ His object. 

[_ His self-sacrifice. 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



79 



1 19. The First Settlement. 



GEORGIA 

{continued). 



A royal colony. 

121. Preaching of the Wesley s and Whitfield. 

122. Troubles with the J Invasions from Florida. 

Spaniards. \ Fla. surrendered to England. 




THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES. 



Massachusetts. 



Within the present limits of Massachusetts there were once 
two colonies, known as the Plymouth Colony and the Massa- 
chusetts Bay Colony. 



125. Religious Classes in England. — At the beginning of 
the seventeenth century the people of England were divided 
according to religious belief into two great classes : the Roman 
Catholics^ who in times past had controlled the government, but 
now were comparatively few in number and were oppressed by 
unjust laws ; and the Protestants (so called originally because 
they protested against some of the beliefs and practices of the 
Catholics), who were now the ruling class. But the Protestants 
were themselves divided. The great majority of them, includ- 
ing most of the rich and the nobility, were members of the 
Church of England, whose ministers were appointed and sup- 
ported by the government. Among the Protestants, however, 
there were many who objected to certain forms and observ- 
ances of the English Church. Those who carried their 
opposition so far as to establish separate churches were 
called Separatists, while those who preferred to remain in 
the English Church but wished to see it changed in some 
forms and doctrines ("purified" as they said) were known 
as Puritans. 



/. PLYMOUTH COLONY, 



8o 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Draw on blackboard 



CATHOLICS 
(few and 
oppressed). 



English 
People 



PROTES- 
TANTS 



r Church of 
England (great 
majority of 
people). 



Dissenters 
(or 

Puritans) 



Puritans 
(or 

Conformists). 

Separatists 

(or 
Non-Con- 
formists) 



Presbyterians, 
Independents, 
Quakers, 
etc. 



126. The Founders of the Plymouth Colony. — In the next 
year after Jamestown was founded, a little congregation of 
Separatists, unwilling to give up their religious belief and un- 
able longer to endure the persecutions to which they were sub- 
jected, fled from England and sought a home in Holland 
(§ 71). Here they remained for a number of years un- 
disturbed. But they were still Englishmen, and it grieved 
them to see their children, by intermarriage with the Dutch, 
gradually forget their language and religion, and become ab- 
sorbed in a foreign nation. Their thoughts turned to America. 
In the wilds of the New World they hoped to find a refuge, 
where, free from alien influences, they could worship God as 
they chose. 

127. Difficulties in the Way. — These exiled Englishmen 
decided on the northern part of the vast region then called 
Virginia as the best place for their new home. But two great 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



8i 



difficulties were in the way of the undertaking ; the permission 
of the Enghsh authorities to make a settlement in their Ameri- 
can possessions had to be secured, and means had to be pro- 
vided to pay the expenses of the enterprise. The London 
Company was favorable, but the king hesitated to promise 
them freedom of religion. At last they secured a "patent"^ 
from the Company with only the indirect assurance from the 
king " that he would connive at them and not molest them, 
provided they carried themselves peaceably." London mer- 
chants agreed to furnish the means, on condition that for seven 
years the proceeds of all labor should go to a common fund, 
and at the close of that period there should be an equal divi- 
sion of houses, lands, and goods between the merchants and 
colonists. 

128. The Voyage to America. — Under William Brewster, 
an elder of their church, a large part of this Separatist congre- 
gation set sail from Holland in a small ship called the Speed- 
well. They sailed first to England, where they found a larger 
vessel, the Mayflower, hired for their use. Here a number of 
friends joined them. The two ships started out on their west- 
ern voyage together, but the Speedwell was soon found to be 
too leaky to proceed, and returned to England. The May- 
flower continued on her course alone, and after a voyage of 
nine weeks, in November, 1620, came in sight of the shores of 
Cape Cod. 

129. Settlement of Plymouth. — The " Pilgrims," as these 
wanderers were called, intended to settle near the mouth of the 
Hudson, the northern Imiit of the Virginia Company, but 

1 Plymouth, unlike her neighboring colonies, never had a charter from the King. 
Her attempts to secure one were defeated by religious opposition in England, and 
jealousy of adjoining colonies in America. The company called "the Governor and 
Council of Plymouth " had a charter giving them the powers of government. This 
company granted a patent " to the colonists and their friends which allowed them 
only the rights to settle and trade. 



82 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



stormy weather and the opposition of the ship's crew forced 
them to make a landing on the coast which they first reached. 

Several weeks were spent in 
exploring the shores of Cape 
Cod Bay in search of a suitable 
place for settlement. Finally 
a small harbor, known on Cap- 
tain John Smith's map as Ply- 
mouth, was chosen. Here 
they found divers cornfields 
and little running brooks, a 
place very good for settle- 
ment." It was December 21, 
1620, when the landing was 
made andthe settlement begun. 

130. Government. — Finding themselves outside the limits 
of the Virginia Company, whose grant they held, the colonists, 
before landing, drew up and signed the following paper as a 
basis of their government : 

"fn tf)t name of (©ob, amen: J©e, tti^jofe namej^ are unber^vuritten, tfte 
lopaH fubfect? of our tireaD foterai0ne Sorb, Dting fame? . . . t)atjein0 
unbertafeen for pe olorie of <JBob anb abbancemente of pe Cfjriftian faitt), anb 
ftononr of our fting anb countrie, a tiopa0e to plant pe fitft colonie m pe 
l^ortberne parts of i^irginia, boe foKemnip anb mutuatp in pe prefence 
of <©ob anb one of anotijer, cobenant ... to cnacte, conlTitute, anb frame 
fucf) iutt anb^equan ime^ . . . ai^ ft)a« be tbouflbt mofl meete anb 
convenient for pe generaH 000b of pe Colonie, unto ttibicb toe promife 
afl bue fubmiffion anb obebience.*^ 

John Carver was chosen governor for the first year. 

131. Early Years. — There were one hundred and two per- 
sons in the company that disembarked from the Mayflower. 
This number included eighteen men accompanied by their 




THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



83 



wives, sixteen single men, twenty boys, eight girls, three maid- 
servants, and nineteen men-servants or hired workmen. They 
built log houses, using oiled paper for window-glass. The 
winter which soon set in was bitter cold, and half of the colo- 
nists died before it was over. Yet when the Mayflower sailed 
back to England in the spring, not one of the survivors re- 
turned. During the first four years the colonists often suffered 
from hunger, their chief dependence for food during this period 
being corn purchased from the Indians, together with clams 
and fish. 

132. Development of Plymouth Colony. — ^The next year 
after the settlement additional colonists arrived, and by 1630 
the number had increased to three hundred. The first ship- 
load of immigrants brought a patent from the " President and 
Council of New England," — a new corporation that had taken 
the place of the old Plymouth Company. The plan of putting 
all earnings in a common stock proved as unsatisfactory here 
as it was in Virginia, and was soon abandoned. The London 
partners in the "patent," failing to receive the large profits 
they expected, sold out their shares to the colonists. Although 
they were still subject to the new Plymouth Company, they 
became, by this change, more independent of England than 
before, and were able to dictate what sort of immigrants should 
be admitted. Governor Carver having died the first winter, 
William Bradford was chosen governor. With the exception of 
five years when he declined to serve, Bradford was reelected 
every year until his death, thirty-six years later. 

133- Captain Standish and the Indians Learning of an 

Indian plot against the neighboring settlement of Weymouth, 
Captain Miles Standish with eight men was sent to investigate 
the matter. Standish was " a man of very little stature, yet of 
a very hot and angry temper." Finding himself one day in the 



84 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



same cabin with the hostile chief and several of his braves, he 
gave a signal to his men to close the door. Then snatching a 

knife from one of the 
Indians, a desperate 
conflict followed, in 
which the chief con- 
spirator and two other 
Indians in the room 
were killed, and one 
was taken prisoner. 
This bold act of Cap- 
tain Standish alarmed 
the savages and their 
plot was broken up. 
Afterward a treaty of peace was made with Massasoit, chief of 
the nearest Indian tribe, which lasted fifty-four years. 

134. Union with Massachusetts Bay Colony. — After a 
separate existence of seventy years, the Plymouth Colony, in 
1 69 1, was united to the neighboring more populous and wealthy 
colony of Massachusetts Bay. In the new charter the name 
Massachusetts was applied to the colonies thus united. 

//. MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. 

135' Settlement. — In 1628, six prominent English Puri- 
tans obtained from the Council for New England a grant of 
land extending from three miles north of the Merrimac to 
three miles south of the Charles. This "patent" embraced a 
strip of land about sixty miles wide, extending westward to 
the Pacific Ocean, which was then thought to be not much 
farther distant than the Hudson River. John Endicott, one 
of the six " patentees," with about one hundred colonists, 
made a settlement the same year at Salem, on the Massachu- 
setts coast. 




THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



85 



136. The Charter. — The next year the proprietors of this 
grant obtained a charter from King Charles. The object of 
the leaders was to establish in America a refuge from the 
oppression to which 
the Puritans were 
subjected in Eng- 
land. Yet it was 
thought best to say 
nothing about reli- 
gion in the charter, 
and the enterprise 
was apparently for 
trading purposes. 
The stockholders 
were allowed to elect 
annually a governor, 
d e p u t y-g o V e r n o r, 
and eighteen assistants. Endicott acted as first governor. 
Soon the entire company moved to Massachusetts, bringing 
their charter with them. This was a bold and popular move, 
as it gave the people in the colony as members of the company 
a right to govern themselves. 

137. Growth of the Colony. — New immigrants came in 
rapidly, and the colony of Massachusetts Bay soon surpassed 
its neighbor Plymouth both in wealth and population. Besides 
Salem, six other towns were estabUshed, of which Boston, 
founded in 1630 by Governor Winthrop, was the most impor- 
tant and became the seat of government. The colonists were 
originally Puritans, not Separatists, and as such adhered to the 
Church of England. But their independent position in civil 
matters and the influence of the Plymouth settlers led them to 
establish a separate church government. 




86 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



138. Religious Disturbances. — The settlers of Massachu- 
setts had braved the hardships and dangers of the New World 
in order to enjoy undisturbed their own religion. They made 
church membership a qualification for voting, and refused to 
allow members of any other faith than their own to gain a foot- 
hold in the colony. Roger Wiiliams, a talented young Separatist 
minister, gave them a good deal of trouble by his peculiar beliefs 
and the eloquence with which he advocated them. He opposed 



she urged, among other doctrines, that not an upright life, 
but a direct inward revelation proved a person to be saved, 
and that any one "justified" and "sanctified" was absolutely 
free from sin. Her teachings caused great excitement and 
gained many adherents. They were looked upon by the stern 
Puritans as dangerous to public morals, and she was banished 
from the colony.^ 

139. The First Slave Ship. — The first American slave ship 
was built at Marblehead, Massachusetts, in 1636. It was used 




enforced attendance on 
church, and claimed that 
the government should not 
interfere with matters of 
religious belief. He was 
ordered to return to Eng- 
land, but fleeing south- 
ward he took refuge among 
the Indians and founded 
the colony of Rhode Is- 
land. 



The Church in which Roger Williams Preached m 
Salem. It is still standing, 



Mrs. Anne Hutchinson 
delivered public lectures 
in the colony, in which 



1 Mrs. Hutchinson was kindly received in Rhode Island by Roger Williams. 
Afterwards, having removed to New York, she was killed in an Indian massacre. 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



87 



for transporting to this country slaves captured on the coast 
of Africa. Two years later this ship brought her first cargo of 
negro slaves into Massachusetts. This was the beginning of 
an extensive and profitable trade by which slaves were carried 
in New England ships to all the English colonies. 

140. Indian Troubles. — Massachusetts, in common with 

her sister colonies, was engaged in two bloody Indian wars, the 
Pequod War and King Philip's War. These are described 
later (§§ 156-160). 

141. The Witchcraft Craze. — The stern religious life of 
the Puritans and the intensity of their convictions led to a 
ready acceptance of the supernatural. In the latter part of 
the seventeenth century belief in witchcraft, which had long 
been accepted in the Old World, reached a climax of fanati- 
cism in New England, and hurried the people into deeds of 
cruelty and bloodshed. In 1684, Rev. Increase Mather pub- 
lished a book called "A Record of Illustrious Providences," 
containing an account of the cases of witchcraft that had al- 
ready occurred and describing the characteristics of the " devil- 
try " of the witches. A few years later the children of John 
Goodwin of Boston claimed to have been bewitched by an 
Irish servant-woman, against whom one of them had a spite. 
Among other symptoms, they barked like dogs, mewed like 
cats, and were struck dumb at the sight of the Shorter Cate- 
chism. The so-called witch was tried, convicted, and hanged. 
At Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, a witchcraft craze seized the 
people. Twenty persons were executed as witches, hundreds 
were imprisoned, and a reign of terror prevailed. Rev. Increase 
Mather, then President of Harvard College, was a leading 
spirit in the prosecutions. He was heartily supported by the 
governor and highest judges of the colony. At last the people 
returned to their senses, and, after a few years had passed, 



88 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Massachusetts appointed a fast-day for the " errors into which 
magistrates and people had been led by Satan and his instru- 
ments." 

142. Period of Oppression. — In 1678, the lawyers of King 
James II. declared that the charter of Massachusetts had 
been forfeited by the failure of her government to enforce the 
navigation laws of England. Petitions and remonstrances of 
the colonists were of no avail. A few years later (1684) the 
charter was declared to be null and void. The colony was left 
absolutely subject to the king, and the people were deprived 
of all their political rights. Sir Edmund Andros was appointed 
governor of New England. This tyrant levied taxes on his 
own authority, and declared that all lands belonged to the 
crown ; the colonists could establish their title only by paying 
fees to the royal officials. This despotic government continued 
until the news of the overthrow of King James reached Massa- 
chusetts. The people then rose against their rulers, put Andros 
in jail, and reestablished their old government. 

143. Plymouth Joined to Massachusetts Bay. — As before 
related, the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were 
united in one colony in 1691. The province of Maine and 
the territory of Nova Scotia were included in the new colony, 
thenceforth known as Massachusetts. The new charter of 1692 
provided that the governor should be appointed by the king, 
and all acts of the legislature were to be sent to England for 
approval. The religious qualification for voters was no longer 
continued, but a property qualification was required. 

144. Summary. — A congregation of English Separatists, to escape 
persecution in their native land, fled to Holland. Dissatisfied there, the) 
resolved to settle in America. They obtained a patent from the London 
Company, and sailing by way of Plymouth, England, landed in 1620 on the 
Massachusetts coast. They named their settlement Plymouth. Finding 
themselves outside the territory of the London Company, they obtained a 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



89 



patent from the Council for New England (successors to the Plymouth 
Company). John Carver was chosen as their first governor, and Miles 
Standish was their leader against the Indians. 

Eight years later John Endicott and other prominent English Puritans 
obtained from the Council for New England a grant of territory lying 
north of Plymouth. Settlements were made at Salem, Boston, and other 
places. Endicott obtained from the king a charter designating his colony 
the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and giving to himself and his associates 
the powers of government. The " stockholders " having all moved to Mas- 
sachusetts, the colony became a self-governing commonwealth. Roger 
Williams and Mrs. Hutchinson were banished on account of their religious 
teachings. Two Indian wars caused great loss of life and property. Dur- 
ing the " witchcraft craze " many innocent persons were imprisoned and 
put to death. In 1678 the king annulled the charter of Massachusetts Bay 
Colony, and for five years the people were under the despotic rule of Gov- 
ernor Andros. 

In 1 691 Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were united in one colony, 
known as Massachusetts. The population and wealth of Massachusetts 
gave her a preeminence among the Northern colonies corresponding to that 
of Virginia in the South. 

Connecticut. 

145. Settlement. — The Dutch settlers of New York and 
the Plymouth colonists both established trading posts on the 
Connecticut River 
at an early date ; 
but the real found- 
ers of the Connecti- 
cut colony came 
from Massachu- 
setts. In 1635 John 
Winthrop, the 
younger, built Fort 
Saybrook at the 
mouth of the Connecticut River. The next year Hartford was 
founded by Thomas Hooker, a Puritan minister, who had 
marched through the woods from Massachusetts with his entire 




90 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



congregation. John Davenport, another minister, with a com- 
pany of immigrants, settled New Haven. 

146. Union of the Settlements. — Around the towns of 
Hartford and New Haven as centers, numerous settlements 
sprang up. For a while there were three colonies, Saybrook, 
Connecticut, and New Haven. In a few years these were re- 
duced to two by the union of the Saybrook and Connecticut 
colonies. The Connecticut colony was conspicuous for the 
liberal and democratic government established by its people. 
The New Haven colony was less tolerant in religious matters. 
After a separate existence of about thirty years the New Haven 
colony was absorbed by Connecticut. The three original col- 
onies were thus reduced to one. 

147. The Charter. — The charter of Connecticut, which 
was obtained through the efforts of Winthrop, gave a great 

deal of liberty to 
the people, allow- 
ing them to elect 
all their officers. 
Consequently they 
prized it highly, 
and when the Eng- 
lish government 
demanded the 
surrender of their 
charter, they put 
off compliance 
until Andros with 
a large escort 

The Charter Oak. 

came to Hartford 

to enforce the king's order. Andros held a conference in the 
evening with the governor and council of the colony. Tradition 
says that the lights in the room were suddenly extinguished, 




THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



91 



and the charter was hidden in a hollow oak-tree. Andros, 
however, took control of affairs, and for a few years the charter 
government was overthrown. With the downfall of Andros 
(§ 162) the old charter (or a duplicate) was brought from its 
concealment, the government under it was reorganized, and 
continued in force until the Revolution. 

148. Summary. — The first settlers of Connecticut came from Massa- 
chusetts. Settlements were formed at Hartford by Thomas Hooker, and 
at New Haven by John Davenport. For a time three colonies existed, the 
Connecticut colony, the New Haven colony, and the Saybrook colony. 
Finally these were combined into the Connecticut colony. The charter of 
Connecticut was liberal in its provisions, and was much prized by the peo- 
ple. During the period of Andros's rule over New England the charter 
gevernment of Connecticut was overthrown, but was restored with the 
downfall of James II. 

Rhode Island. 

149. Settlement. — When Roger Williams was driven from 
Massachusetts (§ 138), he fled southward through the woods, 
and with a few followers established a settlement which he 
called Providence at the head of Narragansett Bay (1636). 
The following year a party of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson's follow- 
ers made a settlement on an island in the bay, afterward known 
as Rhode Island. These settlements and others near them 
were subsequently united under the name of "The Colony of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." 

150. Government. — Roger Williams declared that in his 
colony no one should ever be disturbed on account of his reli- 
gious belief. The settlers were chiefly refugees from other 
colonies. They were independent thinkers in politics as well 
as in religion, and they did not get along peaceably together. 
For twenty-seven years there were quarrels between the differ- 
ent settlements with only a weak government over them. 
Finally a charter was secured which united the different settle- 



92 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



ments, granted entire religious freedom, and allowed the people 
to elect their own officers. 

151. Separate Position. — Rhode Island was the first col- 
ony to establish the great principle of complete religious free- 
dom.^ Because of her independent position in religion, as 
well as on account of her unsettled government, Rhode Island 
was viewed with suspicion and dislike by the other New Eng- 
land colonies, and was not allowed to join the New England 
Confederation (§ 157). 

152. Summary. — Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams, who, 
when banished from Massachusetts, established the first settlement at 
Providence in 1636. The next year a party of Mrs. Hutchinson's followers 
settled " Rhode Island," in Narragansett Bay. Roger Williams enforced 
the great principle of religious freedom, and his colony became a refuge for 
the oppressed. The government of Rhode Island was at first turbulent 
and unsettled. Finally a charter was obtained uniting the different settle- 
ments. After this better order prevailed. 

New Hampshire. 

153. Some of those who suffered from religious persecution 
in the older New England colonies, went to New Hampshire, 

where settlements had been made as 
early as 1623. The population in this 
colony increased very slowly, owing to 
confusion in land titles and disputes 
about government. It was too weak for 
independence and was several times 
united to Massachusetts ; it finally be- 
came a separate colony in 17 41. New 
Hampshire had no charter, but was 
subject directly to the king. Vermont 
was claimed as part of her territory. 

1 Maryland gave equal freedom to all Christians. 




THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



93 



154. Summary. — New Hampshire was settled by immigrants from 
other New England colonies. Its growth was slow. In 17 41 it became a 
separate colony, subject directly to the king. 

New England as a Whole. 

155. Close Relation of the Colonies. — The region em- 
braced by the colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode 
Island, and New Hampshire was first called " New England " 
by Captain John Smith, on a map of his explorations. The 
" Council for New England," to whom the land was granted in 
1620, adopted the name in their title. The early history of 
these colonies is in many respects similar. We have seen that 
Massachusetts was the parent colony of all the others. The 
character, occupation, and religion of the settlers, their mode 
of local government, their dangers, and their interests, were 
much the same. 

The following topics relate to events which to some extent 
affected all these colonies. 

156. The Pequod War. — The Pequods, one of the strongest 
and fiercest Indian tribes of New England, came in contact 
with the settlers in the Connecticut valley, soon after the first 
settlements were made in that region. They tried to get the 
help of the powerful Narragansetts of Rhode Island, but 
through the influence of Roger Williams, the Narragansetts 
refused aid. The weak Connecticut people, in their distress, 
appealed to Massachusetts. A little army of five hundred men 
was raised by the two colonies. Under Captain John Mason, 
they attacked the leading Pequod village on the Mystic River 
in Connecticut. The Indians were completely routed, and 
seven hundred, including women and children, were slain, and 
two hundred taken prisoners. The captives were sold as slaves, 
and the great tribe of Pequods was extinguished. 



94 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



157. The New England Confederation. — The Pequod War 
taught the colonies the advantage of union in time of danger. 
In 1643, Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New 
Haven determined upon a permanent Confederation to be 
known as " The United Colonies of New England." ^ The 
object of the Confederation was to gain better protection 
against foreign and domestic enemies. Each colony was left 
perfectly free to manage its own internal affairs, while exter- 
nal matters pertaining to the good of all were entrusted to 
eight commissioners, two chosen by each colony. This is im- 
portant as the first confederation of British colonies in Amer- 
ica. It lasted more than forty years. Besides affording pro- 
tection against the Indians it brought the New England colo- 
nies into closer sympathy with each other, and showed the 
other colonies the advantages of union. 

158. King Philip's War ; Cause. — On the death of Mas- 
sasoit, who for so many years had been a friend of the whites, 
his eldest son, Alexander, became chief of the tribe of Wam- 
panoags, who lived near the head of Narragansett Bay. As 
Alexander was suspected of plotting against the settlers, a 
company of men from Plymouth surprised him in his hunting 
lodge, and took him prisoner. This insult made the proud 
Indian furious. He was seized with a dangerous fever, from 
which he died soon after his release from captivity. His 
brother, Philip, succeeded him as chief. Philip possessed 
unusual ability and wielded a great influence over the New 
England tribes. He hated the whites and awaited an occasion 
for an outbreak. When three Indians of his tribe were accused 
of murder, found guilty, and put to death by the colonists, 
Philip called his warriors to arms, and a bloody war began 

(167s). 

1 For exclusion of Rhode Island see paragraph 150. 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 95 

159. Battles and Massacres. — One Sunday as the people of 
the village of Swanzey in the Plymouth colony were returning 
from church, they were attacked by the savages and a number 
of them were killed. Troops were sent from Massachusetts to 




Indians attacking a Settlennent. 



England tribes and the war spread into all the colonies. 
According to a secret plot, a number of different settlements 
were attacked at the same day and hour. Hadley, Massa- 
chusetts, was surprised while the people were at church. In 
the fight that followed it is said that a strange man with long 
beard rushed to the front, rallied the hard-pressed colonists, 
and led them to victory. This was Goffe, the " regicide," one 
of the judges who had condemned King Charles I. to death, 



96 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



and who, having fled to America, was living in concealment 
among the Puritans of Massachusetts. In a Rhode Island 
swamp a severe battle was fought with the Narragansetts, in 
which the savages were completely defeated. Philip's allies 
began to desert him. His wife and little son were captured. 
" My heart breaks ! " he cried, " I am ready to die." He was 
at last shot by a faithless Indian. By his death, the power of 
the Indians was broken. 

160. Results of King Philip's War. — King Philip's War 
was the severest blow the New England colonies suffered. 
The struggle lasted two years, and while it resulted in the com- 
plete overthrow of the Indians, yet it was long afterward be- 
fore the colonies recovered from the losses which it caused. 
Over six hundred men were killed. Thirteen towns were 
destroyed, six hundred houses were burned, half a million 
dollars worth of property was destroyed, and a heavy debt 
was contracted, requiring the taxes to be greatly increased. 

161. The Great Revival. — A reaction against the stern 
theology of the early days began in New England during 
the early part of the eighteenth century, and there was much 
looseness of religious belief and conduct. Then followed a 
period of intense religious excitement, known as the " Great 
Awakening." Beginning in the church of Jonathan Edwards, 
in Massachusetts, the revival reached its highest point in 1740, 
under the preaching of George Whitefield. There were conver- 
sions in nearly every town in New England. Many, however, 
objected to the great excitement that accompanied the revival. 
Controversies followed, and a division in the churches was the 
result. There was much difference of opinion as to the general 
good effect of the revival. It certainly exerted a great influ- 
ence upon subsequent religious thought in New England. 

162. New England under One Governor. — King James II. 
made Sir Edmund Andros governor of all the New England 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



97 



colonies, afterward adding New York and New Jersey to his 
jurisdiction. Tlie charters were either taken away or declared 
annulled, and Andros ruled in a most despotic manner. When 
the people of England banished King James, the New Eng- 
land colonists immediately followed their example by deposing 
Governor Andros. The colonies were then allowed to resume 
their old forms of government. 

163. Summary. — A close relation existed among the New England 
colonies. Important events that affected one, affected all. The war with 
the Pequod Indians originated in Connecticut. Massachusetts came to the 
aid of her sister colony and the savages were completely routed. The New 
England Confederation, formed for mutual defense against the Indians, in- 
cluded all the New England colonies except Rhode Island and lasted forty 
years. King Philip's War began in Massachusetts. There were numerous 
battles and massacres, resulting in great loss to the colonists. At last 
Philip was killed, and the power of the Indians overthrown. Under the 
preaching of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, there was a memora- 
ble religious awakening in New England. King James II. placed all the 
New England colonies under one governor. When King James was 
banished by his subjects, the old colonial governments were restored. 

164. Thought Questions. — Is there any persecution on account of 
religion in the United States to-day.? Do you know of any religious 
intolerance ? What circumstances of their history make the intolerance of 
the colonists seem inexcusable ? What explanation can you offer for their 
conduct in this respect Compare John Smith and Miles Standish } Why 
did the Plymouth Colony have a patent instead of a charter ? Why did 
Massachusetts Bay Colony outstrip Plymouth ? How was slavery regarded 
250 years ago? Does slavery exist anywhere to-day.'' Why did Con- 
necticut prize her charter so highly ? What colonies may be considered 
off-shoots of Massachusetts ? Fill out the following table : 



Colony. 


First 
Settlement. 


Date. 


By Whom 
. Founded. 


Religion 
of First 
Settlers. 


Motive of 
Founders. 


Mass 

Connecticut . . 
Rhode Island . 
New Hampshire 


( Plymouth 
^ Salem 


1620 
1628 


Brewster and others 
Endicott and others 


Separatist ) 
Puritan j 


Religious freedom. 



98 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Topical Analysis (New England Colonies). 



126. 

127. 

128. 
129. 
130. 
P31. 



133- 
134- 

135- 
136. 

137- 
138. 

139- 
140. 



Settlement. 



[42. 
f43- 



„ , , r Their religion. 
Founders of I i,^ ^ t7 1 j 
^ Flight from England. 

' [_ Dissatisfaction with their new home. 

Looking toward J Authority to form settlement. 

America. \ Means for the voyage. 

„ ( The ships. 

The Voyage. < ^. . ^ , 

1^ First land seen. 

J Failure to reach destination. 
Landing and settlement. 

Government. I ^^'■""'"'"'''S"^'^- 

rirst governor. 

^ , . , f Classification. 

First Colonists. < ^ xx ■ 

buifenngs. 

f New immigrants. 
Growth of Colony. <( New patent. 

London stockholders. 
Capt. Standish : Successful dealings with Indians. 
Union with Massachusetts Bay Colony. 

f Founders. 
The Beginning.^ Patent. 

Settlement, 
f Purpose of founders. 
Government.^' Charter. 

1^ Removal of stockholders to America, 
f New settlements. 
Growth of Colony. | ^^^^^^ government. 

f Roger Williams. 
Religious Disturbances. | Hutchinson. 

First Slave Ship. 
Indian Wars. 

Belief in witches. 
Increase Mather's book. 
Persecutions. 

Repentance of the people. 

, ^ . f Charter annulled. 

Period of Oppression. | ^^^^ ^^^^^^ 

f Territorial limits. 
Union with Plymouth. | ^^^^^^^^ 



[41. Witchcraft. 



1 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



99 



CONNECTICUT. 



145. 



[46. 



147. 



RHODE ISLAND.^ 



I' Dutch trading posts. 
Settlement. ■{ Saybrook, Hartford and 

Haven. 
Union of Settlements. 

I' Its liberal nature. 
The Charter. ^ Demand for its surrender. 

The Andros government. 
Providence. 
Rhode Island. 



New 



149- Settlement. 



f Roger Williams' views. 
50. Government. Disturbances. 

Charter. 



151- 



1 55. Relation of the Colonies. 



56. Pequod War 



157- 



I 

1 



Relations with other New England Colonies. 

' I' Settlement. 
NEW HAMPSHIRE. 153.^ Growth. 

[ Separate Colony. 

Name, " New England." 
Common interests, 
f Attack on Connecticut settlers. 
Position of the Narragansetts. 
Overthrow of Indians. 

f Object. 

New England Confederation. -{ Management. 

1^ Importance, 
f Cause. 

159, 160. King Phillip's War. <{ Battles and massacres. 

[ Results. 

r Origin. 

The Great Revival. Climax. 

Results. 

{N. E. under one governor. 
Old governments restored. 



16] 



[62. The Andros Government. 



THE MIDDLE COLONIES. 

New York. 

165. Settlement. — All the colonies thus far considered were 
settled by people of English birth. New York, however, owes 
its settlement to the Dutch. By virtue of Henry Hudson's dis- 



lOO 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



covery, the Dutch claimed the Hudson River valley, together 
with the entire region between the Delaware Bay and Cape 
Cod, which they called New Netherland. At first, trade was 
the sole object of the Dutch, and no attempt at settlement was 
made, though " trading posts " were established on the banks 
of the Hudson and on Manhattan Island. The Dutch West 
India Company obtained control of New Netherland, its 
charter bidding it " to advance the peopling of those fruitful 



and unsettled parts." In 1623 this corporation established 
settlements at Fort Orange (Albany) and at New Amsterdam 
(New York). 

166. The Patroons. — To encourage immigration vast tracts 
of land were given to any member of the West India Compan) 
who should introduce a colony of fifty persons. The owners 
of the immense landed estates thus formed were called " pa 
troons." They exercised almost absolute power over theii 
tenants, and their domains were like little independent states, 
When the Dutch lost New York the rule of the patroons was 
overthrown, yet for nearly two hundred years the heirs of the 
old patroons continued to collect rents from the occupants oi 
the lands. 




New York in 1 656. 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



lOI 



167. Dutch Government. — The Dutch 
were usually mild in their treatment of the 
Indians, and were very successful in trading 
with them. All of Manhattan Island where 
New York City now stands was purchased 
for trinkets worth about twenty-four dollars. 
Like Virginia, in her early history. New 
Netherland was governed by a trading cor- 
poration. The governors of the colony, 
appointed by the Dutch West India Com- 
pany, were all more or less incompetent 
and tyrannical. Peter Stuyvesant, the last 
of the four Dutch governors, was honest 
and energetic, but high-tempered and im- 
perious.^ He was frequently engaged in 
quarrels with the settlers of Connecticut. 
At the head of a small army, he marched 
against the Swedish settlers on the Dela- 
ware, and compelled them to submit to 
Dutch authority. 

168. Fall of the Dutch Power. — Eng- 
land claimed New Netherland on the basis 
of Cabot's discoveries, and she was un- 
willing that the Dutch should possess the 
land and thus separate her New England 
and Southern colonies. In 1664, an Eng- 
lish fleet was sent against New Amsterdam. 
The town was unprepared for defense, and 

1 An Assembly was chosen without Stuyvesant's ap- 
proval. It met and issued an address to the governor, 
asking that the people be allowed a larger share in the 
government. The haughty Stuyvesant replied : " We 
derive our authority from God and the West India Com- 
pany, not from the pleasure of a few ignorant subjects," 
and refused to grant the request. 



I02 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the citizens were tired of the tyranny of their governors ; so 
in spite of Governor Stuyvesant, who raged and swore at his 
people for refusing to make any resistance, New Amsterdam 
and all New Netherland were surrendered to the English. The 
entire region was presented by the king of England to his 
brother, the Duke of York. In honor of the new proprietor, 
the name New York took the place of the Dutch names for 
the colony and its chief town. After nine years of English 
rule a Dutch fleet appeared in the harbor and compelled New 
York to surrender. For one year the Dutch rule was restored. 
Then a treaty was made between Holland and England by 
which New Netherland was finally transferred to the English. 

169. English Rule. — New York continued to suffer much 
from bad governors. When the Duke of York became king 
of England (James II.), he appointed Sir Edmund Andros 
governor of all New England and New York. (§ 162.) The 
rule of Andros was unpopular with the people. When the 
news of the downfall of King James was received, the deputy 
governor of New York abandoned his post and fled to 
England.^ The colonists of New York, like their New Eng- 
land neighbors, then took control of the government. Cap- 
tain Jacob Leisler acted as governor until the king's wishes 
could be known. On the arrival of a new governor from Eng- 
land, Leisler was tried for treason, and was convicted. Gov- 
ernor Slaughter, while drunk at a dinner party, was induced 
by the enemies of Leisler to sign his death-warrant. New York 
remained a Royal province until the Revolution. 

170. Summary. — By virtue of Henry Hudson's explorations the Dutch 
claimed the territory from Delaware Bay to Cape Cod, and called it New 
Netherland. They soon began a brisk fur-trade with the Indians, and for 
this purpose established trading posts on Manhattan Island and on the 
upper Hudson. The Dutch West India Company obtained a grant to the 



1 Andros himself was then in Boston, 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



103 



New Netherlands, with authority to form settlements, direct the govern- 
ment, and control the trade of the settlers. Under the mild rule of the 
Dutch many emigrants from neighboring English colonies and from various 
European countries were attracted to the colony. Governor Stuyvesant 
conquered the Swedes on the Delaware, and brought them under Dutch 
authority. England, claiming New Netherland on the basis of Cabot's 
discoveries, sent a fleet against New Amsterdam, 1664, and the town and 
all New Netherland surrendered to the English. The entire region was 
presented by Charles II. to his brother, the Duke of York, in whose honor 
the name of New York took the place of the Dutch names for the colony 
and chief town. Nine years later New York was recovered by the Dutch, 
to be held by them only one year, when it was finally transferred to the 
English. James II. appointed Andros governor of all New England, New 
York, and New Jersey. "When the news of the downfall of King James 
came, the Andros government was overthrown, and the colonists of New 
York took control of affairs with Jacob Leisler acting as temporary gover- 
nor. On the arrival of the new king's governor, Leisler was tried for 
treason and executed. New York remained a Royal province until the 
Revolution. 

New Jersey. 

171. Settlement. — The lands between the Delaware and 
the Hudson had been claimed by the Dutch, the Swedes, and 
the English. This country was a por- 
tion of the grant made to the Duke of 
York in 1664, and he gave it to Lord 
Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. Car- 
teret had been governor of the Island 
of Jersey off the coast of England, so 
the grant was called New Jersey in his 
honor. Under a nephew of Sir George 
Carteret as governor, a settlement was 
made at Elizabeth town in 1665. 

172. The Colony Divided. — Dis- 
putes soon arose between the proprie- 
tors and the inhabitants, and Berkeley, thoroughly dissatisfied, 
sold his interest to a party of Quakers. A division was then 




104 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



made into East and West Jersey. The Eastern portion was 
given to Carteret, while the western portion was left to the 
Quakers. After the death of Carteret, Penn and his associates 
bought East New Jersey, and the Quakers established a liberal 
government there like that in their western colony. 

173. East and West Jersey United. — King James 11. took 
away from the proprietors of both colonies the rights of govern- 
ment, on the ground that the inhabitants were guilty of smug- 
gling. The disgusted proprietors soon afterward surrendered 
all their claims to the crown. East and West Jersey were then 
(1702) united as a royal colony. Although considered a sep- 
arate colony. New Jersey was not allowed a governor of its 
own until 1738. During this period the colony was under the 
administration of the governor of New York, who ruled through 
a deputy. 

174. Summary. — The territory between the Delaware and the Hudson 
was a portion of the grant made to the Duke of York in 1664, and he gave 
it to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. A settlement was made at 
Elizabethtown, 1665. Berkeley sold his interests to a party of Quakers. A 
division was then made into East and West Jersey, the eastern portion 
given to Carteret and the western to the Quakers. Penn and his associates 
bought East New Jersey, and the Quakers established a liberal government. 
James II. took away from the proprietors of both colonies the rights of 
government. They soon after surrendered all their claims to the crown, 
and East and West Jersey were united as a Royal colony (1702). Still, for 
thirty-six years New Jersey was not allowed a governor of its own, but was 
under the governor of New York, who ruled through a deputy. 

Pennsylvania. 

175. The Quakers. — Among the persecuted sects of Eng- 
land during the seventeenth century, none were more harshly 
treated than the Quakers. These people believed that the 
teachings of Christ should be followed literally in all things ; 
hence they refused to swear, even in a court of justice, nor 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. IO5 

could they be induced to fight under any circumstances. In 
conversation they used the terms "thee" and "thou." Con- 
sidering all men absolutely equal, they declined to take o& 
their hats as a mark of respect. They believed that all forms, 
ceremonies, and written creeds should be avoided. They op- 
posed dancing, theaters, and all public shows. They objected 
to a paid ministry, 
and held that any 
one might preach 
"when the spirit 
moved him." 

176. The Founder 
of Pennsylvania. — 

William Penn was a 
wealthy Quaker who 
desired to find a re- 
fuge in America for 
his oppressed breth- 
ren. The king owed 
Penn's father a large 
sum of money. He 
agreed to give young 
Penn forty thousand 
square miles west of 
the Delaware for the 
debt. The grant was called Pennsylvania (Penn's woods). 

177. Settlement. — In 1681 Penn's first colonists were 
brought over. The next year Penn himself joined them, and 
founded the capital city on the west bank of the Delaware. 
He called it Philadelphia (brotherly love), after a city men- 
tioned in the New Testament. 

178. Growth of the Colony. — The growth of Pennsylvania 
was rapid. The colony was well governed from the first ; no 




io6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



religious persecution was allowed ; the Indians were fairly 
treated, and remained on good terms with the settlers. Thou- 
sands of English 
Quakers flocked to 
the colony, likewise 
large numbers of 
Irish and German 
immigrants. Before 
the beginning of the 
Revolution Philadel- 
phia was the largest 

Penn's Slate-Roof House. • n i 

town m all the col- 
onies. Penn and his heirs continued to govern the colony 
until the close of the colonial period. 

179. Summary. — The king of England gave William Penn, a wealthy- 
Quaker, forty thousand square miles west of the Delaware in payment of a 
debt which he owed Penn's father. The grant was called Pennsylvania. In 
1 68 1 the first colonists were brought over, and Philadelphia was founded. 
The colony was well governed ; no religious persecution was allowed ; the 
Indians were fairly treated, and large numbers of Quakers, and Irish and 
German immigrants flocked to the colony. Penn's heirs continued to 
govern the colony until the close of the Colonial period. 




Delaware. 

180. Settlement. — Soon after the founding of New Am- 
sterdam, the Dutch made a settlement in Delaware, which was 
destroyed by the Indians a few years later. The first perma- 
nent settlement was made by the Swedes at Wilmington in 
1638. 

181. Conflicting Claims. — The territory was in turn under 
the control of the Swedes, the Dutch, and the English. When 
the English authority was established, Delaware, along with 
New Jersey and New York, was granted to the Duke of York. 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



107 



The duke transferred the territory of Delaware to WiUiam Penn, 
who wanted an outlet to the sea for his colony. Delaware 
then became a part of Pennsylvania. 

182. A Separate Province. — Her 

people were not satisfied with the union, 
however, and Penn finally allowed them 
a separate Assembly. In 1703 Dela- 
ware was recognized as a separate pro- 
vince, although she still remained under 
the same governor as Pennsylvania. 

183. Summary. — The first permanent set- 
tlement was made by the Swedes in 1638. The 
territory was in turn under the control of the 
Swedes, the Dutch, and the English. Dela- 
ware was a portion of the grant made by King Charles II. to the Duke of 
York. It was transferred to William Penn, and became a part of Pennsyl- 
vania. The people of Delaware were not satisfied with the union, and Penn 
allowed them a separate Assembly. In 1703 Delaware was recognized as a 
separate province, but remained under the same governor as Pennsylvania. 

184. Thought Questions. — What made the situation of New Amster- 
dam favorable for trade ? What two colonies owed their first settlements 
to great trading companies.'' What colonies were governed by a trading 
company though not settled by it? Account for the early downfall of the 
Swedish power in America. Of the Dutch. What sects were not guilty 
of religious persecution in colonial times ? In what colonies do you find 
intolerance in religion? What colonies were settled by persecuted classes ? 
What colonies were originally gifts of territory to friends of the king? 
Copy and fill out the following table : 



Colony. 


First 
Settlement. 


Date. 


By Whom 
Founded. 


Religion 
of 

Settlers. 


Motive of 
Founder. 


New York . 
New Jersey . 
Pennsylvania 
Delaware . . 


New Amsterdam 


1623 


Dutch West India Co. 


( Dutch ) 
( Protestants j 


Trade 



Combine in one the tables in § § 124, 164, and 184. 




io8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



0091 


1625 


1650 


1675 


1700 


1725 












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Synchronal Chart of the Colonies. 



Questions on Chart of Colonies. — Copy this chart on blackboard or on 
paper. In the space representing Virginia, place a cross-mark to indicate 
relative time of first introduction of slaves. What events in other colonies 
took place at nearly the same time ? Place cross-marks in proper positions 
on your chart to represent important events in the different colonies. How- 
many and what colonies were founded during the thirty years between 1 620 
and 1650 ? Find a period of 50 years during which no colony was founded. 
What colony was for a while united to New York ? What colony was 
once part of Pennsylvania ? What colonies were founded by people from 
Massachusetts .'' 



THE ENGLISH COLONIES. 



109 



Topical Analysis (Middle Colonies). 



NEW YORK. ^ 



( Dutch claims. 

165. Settlement. ■{ Trading posts. 

Settlements. 

^, . fGrants from West India Company. 

166. ThePatroons. ^ ^ ^ 

1^ Power. 

^ ^ , , ^ , f Relations with Indians. 

167. Dutch Government. < „ 

Governors. 

r English claims. 



168. Fall of Dutch 
Power. 



English conquest. 



Second supremacy of Dutch. 
Final transfer to England. 

,69. English Rule. | 

^ * Jacob Leisler. 



NEW JERSEY. ^ 



f f Conflicting claims. 

I 171. Settlement. -<j English grants. 
! Settlements. 

Sale of eastern part. 



172. The Colony Divided. 



Sale of western part. 



[73. The Jerseys ^ The king and the proprietors. 
United. Connection with New York. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 



175. The Quakers of England 

176 



Founder of the Colony, i Purpose. 

Grant of territory. 



177. Settlement. 

( Immigrants. 

178. Growth. <| The Indians. 

[ Government. 



DELAWARE. 



180. Settlement. <| 



r By the Dutch. 



181. 



[ 182. 



1^ By the Swedes, 
f English authority established. 
^ Transfer to Duke of York. 
1^ Transfer to Wm. Penn. 
A Separate Province. 



Conflicting 
Claims. 



I lO 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. 



185. Cause of the French Wars. — In the latter half of the 
seventeenth century, the struggle for the control of North Amer- 




North America at Beginning of French Wars. 



ica had narrowed down to two nations, France and England. 
It is true that Florida and Mexico were held by Spain ; but 
the Spaniards were so intent upon the gold in the mines of 



DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. Ill 

Mexico and South America, that they made no attempt to ex- 
tend their settlements. England and France were thus left 
practically alone in possession of the continent. There were 
two causes that made a conflict between them inevitable. The 
two nations were old enemies. From early times, long and 
bloody wars had been waged between them. A slight pretext 
was enough to occasion hostilities, and their American colonists 
were always ready to take up the quarrel. And then, as the 
growing settlements began to encroach upon each other, local 
causes of enmity arose. Conflicting claims to territory, rela- 
tions with the Indians, differences in the religion, occupation, 
and character of the English and French settlers, combined to 
cause constant jealousy and to bring about occasional open 
outbreaks. 

186. Limits of English and French Settlement. — When 
the long struggle began - — toward the close of the seventeenth 
century — all the English colonies except Georgia had been 
founded. The English had undisputed possession of the 
Atlantic coast from New England to South Carolina. Although 
they claimed the Pacific Ocean as their western boundary, yet, 
in reality, the Alleghany Mountains marked the western limits 
of their settlements and authority. 

The French had built forts and had made scattered settlements 
in Nova Scotia, along the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes, and 
down the Mississippi. Their settlements were generally small 
and far apart. They were most numerous in Acadia (Nova 
Scotia and the adjacent mainland), Canada, and the lake region. 

187. Comparative Strength. — At this period the French 
colonists numbered hardly more than 12,000. The total popu- 
lation of the English colonies at the same time was estimated 
at 200,000, — more than sixteen times as many as their French 
rivals. The French plan of conquering the new country was 
chiefly by establishing forts and trading-posts, to be held by 



112 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



trappers and fur-traders. The English brought over farmers 
and laboring men who cultivated the soil, and made permanent 
homes. In wealth, as in numbers, the English colonies far sur- 
passed the French. While the French settlers were dependent 
on the mother-country for supplies for their armies, the Eng- 
lish colonies were themselves able to support the troops for 
their defense. On the other hand, the French soldiers were 
among the best in the world. Their colonial governors were 
generally able and patriotic men. The French, too, by living 
among the Indians, often intermarrying with them, and adopt- 
ing their ways and customs, gained such influence over the sav- 
age tribes that they could enlist their powerful aid against the 
English in almost every contest. 

188. The Iroquois Indians. — There were some Indians, 
however, whom the French could not control. The Iroquois, 
or Five Nations, occupying northern New York, were a group of 
powerful and semi-civilized tribes. Their united strength num- 
bered 4000 warriors. They had well-built villages, and fields of 
corn, beans, and pumpkins. Their discipline and government 
were superior to those of most other savage tribes. The loca- 
tion of these Indians — on the border between the French and 
English settlements — and their acknowledged power, gave 
them great importance in the approaching war. For several 
reasons they disliked the French : (i) Champlain, the great 
French explorer, had once sided with their enemies, the Algon- 
quins ; (2) they looked upon the French as their rivals in 
trapping and- fur-trading ; (3) there were better opportunities 
for profitable trade with the prosperous English than with the 
French. 

189. Period of the French Wars. — Including varying in- 
tervals of peace, the contest between the French and the English 
in America lasted for seventy-four years (i 689-1 763). This 
long struggle included four separate wars, all except the last 



DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. I 1 3 



being named from the reigning sovereign of England. They 
are (i) King William's War, 1689-97; (2) Queen Anne's War, 
1702-13; (3) King George's War, 1744-8; (4) French and 
Indian war, 1754-63. 

190. The First Three French Wars. — When James II. was 
banished from England by his subjects he took refuge in France. 
Here he was aided by the French in his effort to regain the 
throne from William and Mary, who had been crowned king 




and queen of England in his stead. This led to a war between 
France and England, in which their American colonies became 
involved, and which was known in America as King William's 
War. Queen Anne's and King George's Wars also originated 
in Europe. The scene of conflict of these three wars was 
New York, New England, and the French territory lying 
northward.-^ Combined forces of French and Indians swooped 
down upon defenseless villages in New York and Massachu- 
setts and committed dreadful massacres. The colonial troops, 
with more or less aid from England, made expeditions against 

1 The English colonies south of New York took little part in the first three 
French wars. During King William's War, however, the colonists of South Carolina 
vere fighting the Spanish and Indians of Florida, and defeated a combined French 
ind Spanish expedition from Cuba. (§ 115.) 



114 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



' Quebec, Port Royal, and Louisburg (the latter a strong fortifi- 
cation on Cape Breton Island). 

191. Results of the First Three French Wars. — But little 
change of territory resulted from these wars. In the first con- 
flict Port Royal was taken by English and colonial troops, but 
was given back to France at the close of the war. In the sec- 
ond war Port Royal, with Acadia, was again captured. This 
time the prize was kept by England, and never again fell into 
the hands of the French.^ The name, Port Royal, was changed 
to Annapolis, in honor of Queen Anne, and Acadia was named 
Nova Scotia.^ In King George's War the English achieved a 
splendid success in the capture of Louisburg, the strongest 
fortress in America. It was given back to France, however, at 
the close of the war, much to the disgust of the colonial troops 
who had taken a leading part in its overthrow. 

192. The French and Indian War : Importance. — This 
war differs from the other French wars in several important 
particulars. In the first place, hostilities began in America 
before war had been declared by the mother-countries. It was 
the first war, also, in which all the English colonies were en- 
gaged. It was the bloodiest of the wars, and far the most 
important in its results. [M 

193. How the War Began. — The English king authorized 
the governor of Virginia to grant a vast tract of land west of 
the Alleghanies to the Ohio Company for the purpose of col- 
onization. The French, who already had a few forts in this 
region, arrested the English immigrants, and established new 
strongholds in the disputed territory. Major George Washing- 
ton, then a young man of twenty-one, was sent by the governor 

1 Newfoundland was also by treaty surrendered to England. The island had 
been occupied by the English since 1583, but fell into French hands during Queen 
Anne's War. 

2 Latin for New Scotland, to correspond with New England, 



DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. II 5 

of Virginia to request the French to remove their forts. Wash- 
ington performed his dangerous mission wisely and courage- 
,ously, but was unable to induce the French officers to retire. 
Soon afterward Washington was sent with a company of Vir- 
ginia troops to the relief of an English post at the head of the 
Ohio River, then threatened by the French. On his arrival he 
found that the French had captured the place, and had named it 
Fort Duquesne, after the governor of Canada. He repulsed 
the advance guard of the French, but was afterward forced to 
retire, and to surrender his little company at Fort Necessity (in 
southwestern Pennsylvania). Notwithstanding this surrender, 
the young commander and his troops received the thanks of 
the Virginia Assembly for having accomplished so much with 
their small force. 

194. England Takes a Hand. — In England the news of 
the surrender of Fort Necessity caused great indignation, and 




a plan was at once formed for driving the French from the 
entire country. General Edward Braddock was sent to America 



ii6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



with about looo men. At Alexandria, Va., Braddock was met 
by the governors of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New 
York, and Massachusetts, and a plan of operations was agreed 
upon. English troops, reinforced by colonial forces, were to 
advance and capture Fort Duquesne ;^ another expedition was 
to take Fort Niagara ; ^ a third was to seize Crown Point ; ^ a 
fourth was to attack the Acadian peninsula.^ We 
shall see that each of these plans, except the last, 
was a failure on the first attempt. 

195. Braddock's Defeat. — Braddock was a brave 
and experienced soldier, but wholly unfitted for fron- 
tier warfare. He was used to battles with trained 
soldiers on the open plains of 
Europe. He knew nothing of 
the methods of fighting savages 
in pathless woods. He started 
toward Fort Duquesne with a 
fine army numbering 2000 men, 
consisting of regulars from Eng- 
land and provincials from Vir- 
ginia, Maryland, and New York. Washington commanded the 
Virginia troops. Refusing to listen to the advice of the colonial 
officers, Braddock advanced through the forests, his troops 
encumbered with useless baggage, and with floating flags and 
rolling drums, as if no enemy were near. Within a few miles 
of Fort Duquesne, his army, while passing through a wooded 
ravine, was suddenly attacked from ambush by a strong force of 
French and Indians. The British troops were thrown into 
confusion by the attack from unseen enemies, and fired wildly 
into the air. The colonial soldiers concealed themselves 
quickly behind trees, and fought as the savages did. Brad- 
dock had four horses shot from under him, Washington, two. 




1 Find these places on the map, and tell how their location gave them importance 
in the war. 



DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. 11/ 

An order to retreat had just been given when Braddock fell 
mortally wounded. His fall caused a panic, and the retreat 
became a rout. Washington and his troops alone saved the 
army from total destruction. 

196. Acadia. — In the same year a force of British and 
colonial troops sailed from Boston, and captured the few re- 
maining French forts in Acadia.^ The French settlers of this 
region had steadfastly refused to take the oath of allegiance 
to England. They were all Roman Catholics, and wholly 
under the influence of French priests, who were hostile to 
English rule and loyal to France. England considered these 
French Acadians a source of perpetual danger to her authority. 
A cruel order was issued to banish them from their homes and 
confiscate their property. The plan was heartlessly carried out. 

, About 4000 settlers were taken from their homes — often sepa- 

j rated from their families — 
and scattered in different 
colonies from Massachu- 
setts to Louisiana. (In the 
poem " Evangeline," Long- 
fellow touchingly describes 
the sufferings of some of 
these unfortunate people.) 

197. War Declared. — 

France and England de- 
clared war in 1756, after it 
had been raging two years 
in America. Each side sent 
over ships and men, and 
each seemed to realize that this was to be the final struggle for 
the control of the continent. 




Montcalm. 



1 This region had been ceded to England at the close of Queen Anne's War, but 
had not been fully occupied. 



Ii8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



198. English Reverses. — The officers first sent over by 
England were inefficient, and were jealous of the colonial lead- 
ers. There was little unity of action between the different 
English armies. On the other hand, Montcalm, commander- 
in-chief of the French troops, was one of the ablest generals 
of his time. His troops were well disciplined, his armies 
acted in harmony. For two years he successfully resisted 
the attacks of the English upon his posts in the disputed 
territory.^ 

199. The Tide Turned. — In 1757 WilHam Pitt became the 
actual head of the British ministry. The force of his genius 
was soon observed in the changed condition of affairs in 

America. Inefficient officers were re- 
moved to give place to able and experi- 
enced ones. The unjust preference 
shown to English regulars over the 
colonial soldiers was no longer observed, 
and all troops were placed on equal foot- 
ing. Energy and unity of action took 
the place of delays and jealousies. 

200. Fall of French Strongholds. — 

One by one the great French strong- 
holds fell. Louisburg was surrendered 

William Pitt. . o » 1 rr.. 1 

m 1758. An attack on liconderoga, 
under General Abercrombie, was badly defeated, but the next 
year both Ticonderoga and Crown Point fell into the hands of 
the English. Fort Frontenac, on the north-east shore of Lake 
Ontario, was captured, and the French fleet on the lake 
destroyed. Fort Duquesne, thus cut off from its source of 

1 During this period of French success, their arms met one reverse in the defeat 
of Dieskau near the south end of Lake George. After their victory the English 
erected a fort, named Fort William Henry, near the battlefield. Two years later this 
fort was captured by Montcalm. Many of its helpless defenders were cruelly mur- 
dered by the Indian allies of the French, Montcalm being unable to control them. 




DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. II 9 



(supplies, was abandoned on the approach of an English army. 
-I Washington, who led the advance guard, planted the English 
Jflag on the deserted ramparts, and changed the name of the 
■place to Fort Pitt (now Pittsburg), in honor of the great 
^ British minister. Niagara was also taken, thus completely 
^cutting off the communication between Canada and Louisiana, 
t 

t 201. The Last Great Battle. — All that now remained to 
France were a few strongholds along the St. Lawrence and an 
.island at the north end of Lake Champlain. Quebec, the capi- 
,tal of the French province 
jOf Canada, was at once 
the strongest and the 
I most important of these 
.defenses. That part of 
,the town known as the 
"upper city" is situated 
on a steep bluff over- 
hanging the St. Lawrence 
; River. General Mont- 
calm, who commanded 
the defenders, had about 13,000 men. These were strongly 
posted for a distance of several miles along the north bank 
of the stream. The English forces under General Wolfe 
numbered 10,000 men. Wolfe spent four months in the 
vain effort to draw his skillful antagonist into a fight in the 
open field, or to surprise some weak place in his defenses. 
At last the keen eye of the English leader espied with his glass 
what seemed to be a ravine threading its way down the preci- 
pice. Closer observation proved it to be a path. Wolfe re- 
solved to make a last desperate attempt to take the city by 
'Way of this perilous ascent. In the dead of night, boatloads 
of English soldiers floated silently down the stream, landed at 
the foot of the hidden path, and in single file climbed to the 




120 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



top. Here, on a lofty plain, called the Heights of Abraham, 
the few astonished guards were overpowered, and 5000 troops, 
with Wolfe at their head, ranged themselves 
in battle line before their enemies were 
aware of their presence. The French rushed 
desperately to the attack. Both generals 
were mortally wounded. In his dying mo- 
ments Wolfe heard the cry, " They run ! " 
" Who run ? " he gasped. " The French ! " 

God be praised ! " he murmured, " I die 
happy." Five days after this victory the 
city was surrendered. 

202. Close of the War The next year 

the French attempted to recapture Quebec. 
The effort failed, and a few months later 
Montreal and all the French ports in Canada 
were surrendered to the English, Although 
the fall of Canada closed the contest in 
America, war continued to be waged else- 
where between France and England. In 1762 Spain entered 
the war to aid France ; but Great Britain completely conquered 
both nations. In 1763 a treaty of peace was signed at Paris. 
France yielded to Great Britain all her possessions in North 
America east of the Mississippi.-^ Spain agreed to give up 
Florida to Great Britain in exchange for the city of Havana, 
Cuba, which an English fleet had captured the year before. 

203. Results of the French Wars. — The close of the 
French and Indian War marks the downfall of the French 
power in America. All the vast region conquered for France 
by her explorers, missionaries, traders, and settlers was thus 
wrested from her grasp by her most hated enemy. England 

1 The territory of France west of the Mississippi was ceded to Spain to prevent 
its falling into the hands of England. 




DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. 121 



had now undisputed control of the eastern half of North 
America, from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The 
four wars had cost each side thousands of lives and millions 
of money. For the Ameri- 
can colonists other results 
were wrought besides 
those measured in terri- 
tory, lives, and money. 
The wars united the peo- 
ple. The widely separated 
colonists learned to act 
together against a com- 
mon foe. The success of 
colonial troops, fighting 
side by side with English 
regulars, taught them self- 
reliance and independence. The hard experiences of war gave 
the colonial soldiers valuable military training, and developed 
the genius of such leaders as Washington, Putnam, Stark, 
Sumter, Marion, and others. On the whole, it may be said 
that the French wars were a training-school to the American 
colonists for the great struggle with the mother-country which 
began twelve years later. 

204. Summary, — The French wars extended over a period of seventy- 
four years, from 1689 to 1763. At the beginning of this period, England 
held the Atlantic coast from New England to South Carolina. France 
controlled the region between the mouth of the St. Lawrence and the head 
of Lake Superior, and from the source of the Mississippi to its mouth. 
The first three wars, William's, Anne's, George's (mnemonic word, W.-A.-G.), 
originated in Europe, were waged chiefly on the frontiers of New England 
and New York, and, save in the surrender of Acadia by the French, re- 
sulted in no change of territory. In the last and most important war, the 
French and Indian, all the English colonies were concerned. It originated 
in America over a question of disputed territory. The English were un- 
successful until the genius of William Pitt turned the tide. The last great 




North America at Close of French Wars, I 763. 



ft 



122 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. . 

French stronghold, Quebec, fell after a desperate battle, in which both ■ 
generals, Wolfe and Montcalm, were killed. By the treaty of peace, 1763, ^ 
France gave to England all her territory east of the Mississippi; Spain |, 
gave Florida to England. To the English colonists, the French Wars \ 
were a valuable preparation for the approaching struggle with the mother- : 
country. 

205. Thought Questions. — What first attracted the French to the ji 
country about the mouth of the St. Lawrence ? Why did they follow the 1 
water-courses in their explorations and settlements ? Why did so many 
French Huguenots settle in the English rather than in the French colonies ? 
What does the fact that European colonists in America were so ready to li 
take up the quarrels of the mother-country prove ? How did it happen | 
that so few colonies were engaged in the first three French wars.'' Why j 
were all the colonies united in the French and Indian War? Did the i 
Iroquois Indians pursue the wisest course ? Was the English claim to the ji 
land west of the Alleghanies more just than that of the French.'' Give | 
reason for your opinion. Show how each side might claim that the other 
began the war. What excuse had the English ? the French ? || 

Topical Analysis (French Wars in America). jj 

_ ^ - ^ , f Struggle for control of North America. I 

185. Cause of French i ^ . . 1 
Wars • enmities. 1 

[ Local differences. 

186. Territorial Possessions. / ^^S^^^^- 

French. | 

f Number of colonists. 'j 

187. Comparative Strength. <j Plans of conquest. | 
1^ Advantages of each. 

Importance in the struggle. 

188. Iroquois Indians. <J Advancement toward civilization. 
[ Hostility toward French. 

King William's. 
Queen Anne's. 
King George's. 
French and Indian, 
r 190. Causes and Incidents. 
FIRST THREE J f King William's War. 

WARS. I 191. Territorial Changes, Queen Anne's War. 

I King George's War. 



189. Period of the French Wars. 



DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN AMERICA. 123 



192. Importance. 

^ Grant to Ohio Company. 

„ . . J. ,„ I Encroachments of French. 

193. Beginning of the War ^ .^r , , 

Washington s mission. 

L Surrender at Fort Necessity, 
f Feeling in England. 

194. Troops from England. -\ General Braddock. 

[ Plan of operations, 
f His ignorance of frontier warfare. 

195. Braddock's Defeat. -<j March of his army. 

Attack of French and Indians. 

, . r Capture of French forts. 

196. Acadia. , , 

Cruel treatment of colonists. 

197. War Declared. 

f Weakness of English troops. 

198. English Reverses. Advantages of the French. 

First two years of war. 

^ - f William Pitt. 

199. The Tide Turned. -I „, , ... . . 

1^ Changed condition m America. 

Louisburg. 

Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 

200. Fall of French Strongholds. Fort Frontenac. 

! Fort Duquesne. 
1^ Niagara. 

f Situation of Quebec. 

, . ^ Forces of Wolfe and Montcalm. 

The Last Battle. <^ ^, , 

I The battle. 

L The surrender. 

f Canada surrendered to the English. 
Close of the War. -^j Treaty of peace. 

1^ Changes of territory. 

f English possessions in North America. 
Cost of the wars. 
Benefits to English colonists. 



RESULTS OF THE 
FRENCH WARS. 



1 r 
1 203. 1 



124 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 

206. Introductory. — The downfall of the French power in 
America (1763) marks the close of an era in the history of 
the English colonies. Now begins the story of quarrels with 
the mother-country, the long and bloody war of the Revolu- 
tion, and the establishment of the Republic of the United 
States. 

Before entering upon this period, so full of stirring scenes 
and momentous changes, we may pause a moment to consider 
the home-life of the people in the old colonial daySj soon to 
pass away forever. 

207. Geographical Limits. — Virginia, the oldest colony, 
had now been established 156 years ; Georgia, the youngest, 
31 years. There had been many changes in territorial limits. 
In some cases, colonies were formed from the union of other 
colonies, as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and 
New Jersey. In other cases, new colonies were formed by 
dividing the territory of colonies already existing, as New 
Hampshire, Delaware, and the Carolinas. The settlements 
occupied a narrow strip along the Atlantic coast. The vast 
region west of the Alleghany Mountains w^as included, how- 
ever, in the territory of the different colonies, their claims 
being based on royal grants or on explorations made by the 
colonists themselves. Virginia was the largest colony, and 
Georgia ranked next in size. The district of Maine was part 
of Massachusetts, and the present State of Vermont was claimed 
by New York and New Hampshire. 

The map opposite page 211 will show the limits of the colonies 
at the close of the colonial period. 

208. Population. — For nearly a century and a half after 
the founding of Jamestown, the growth of the colonies, as a 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



125 



whole, was slow and beset with many difficulties. From about 
the middle of the eighteenth century, however, there was a 
rapid increase in population. At the close of the colonial period, 
the total population of the colonies was probably somewhat 
over 2,000,000 (about equal to that of New York City to-day). 
Virginia was the most populous colony, her inhabitants num- 
bering half a million. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania ranked 
next to her, while New York came seventh, and Georgia 
thirteenth in population. 

The Indians had nearly all been driven westward across the 
mountains. There were no cities, most of the people living on 
farms or in small towns. The largest towns were Philadelphia, 
New York, Boston, and Charleston, but none of these contained 
over 20,000 inhabitants. 

209. Slavery. — Negro slaves were found in all the colonies, 
and there was little prejudice against the system, North or 
South. A Dutch vessel brought over the first cargo of African 
slaves. Afterward English and New England ships were active 
in carrying on the traffic. It proved extremely profitable, and 
was encouraged by the British government. At first the slaves 
were employed chiefly as house-servants ; but it was soon found 
that they were best adapted to farm labor and a warm climate. 
In the northern colonies, with their commercial pursuits, small 
farms, and cold climate, slavery was not profitable, and the 
number of negroes was never large. In the southern colonies, 
however, the great tobacco and rice plantations created a de- 
mand for slave labor, and the number of slaves rapidly in- 
creased. At the close of the French wars there were nearly 
500,000 slaves in the colonies, of whom eight-ninths were 
south of Mason and Dixon's line (§ loi). 

1 One of the agreements between the colonies forming the New England Confed- 
eration was that runaway slaves should be delivered up on demand. 



126 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



210. Government. — The English colonies were all subject 
to the Crown, and the general features of colonial government 
were similar. Each had a governor and a law-making body 
composed of two branches/ the smaller body called the " Coun- 
cil," the larger the "Assembly." The Assembly was in all 
cases chosen by the people. With these resemblances there 
were certain differences, (i) Massachusetts,^ Connecticut, and 
Rhode Island each had a charter from the king, giving them 
the right to elect all their officers. This made these colonies 
almost like independent republics, so far, at least, as their 
local government was concerned. They may be called the 
Republican Colonies. 

(2) Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland also had charters, 
but these charters conferred the right of government upon the 
proprietors instead of upon the people. The proprietor ap- 
pointed the governor and Council for his colony. These were 
called Proprietary Colonies, 

(3) Of the remaining seven colonies, New Hampshire never 
had a charter, and the original charters of the others had been 
annulled. The governor and Council in these colonies were 
appointed directly by the king, and they were known, there- 
fore, as the Royal Colonies. 

211. Colonies Classified. — ^The life of the people in the 
various colonies differed greatly. This may be readily accounted 
for, when we remember the different classes of Englishmen 
who settled the colonies, the presence of a large foreign popu- 
lation in many of them, the varying local conditions, as of 
climate, soil, or relations with the Indians, and the infre- 
quency of intercourse between settlements. Yet in each of th# 
three great groups, — the New England, the Middle, and the 

1 But see § 233. 

2 After 1692 the governor of Massachusetts was appointed by the king, although 
the colony still had a charter. 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



127 



Southern colonies, ^ — we find a certain uniformity in character 
and institutions. Each group has one or more " parent " col- 
onies of which the others are ofTshoots, and which, from their 
predominating influence, may be considered typical colonies of 
the several groups. Thus, in the Southern division Virginia 
is the representative ; in the Middle division, New York and 
Pennsylvania ; in the New England division, Massachusetts. 

The New England Colonies. 

212. Occupations of the People. — With the exception of 
Connecticut, the soil of New England is generally rocky and 
unfruitful, and so offered the colonists little inducement to the 
pursuit of agriculture. Farming on a small scale, however, 
was everywhere followed, — grain, hay, vegetables, hemp, and 
flax being the principal products. The fisheries, especially 
whale and cod, were the source of greatest wealth. The forests 
contained an inexhaustible supply of valuable timber, which 
the colonists were not slow to utilize. Shipbuilding became a 
leading industry. New England ships carried a large part of 
the commerce of all the colonies. An extensive trade with 
neighboring colonies and the West Indies sprang up. Ships 
loaded with New England products would visit the West Indies 
and return with cargoes of sugar, molasses, and slaves. Part of 
the sugar and molasses was converted into rum and again ex- 
ported. The New En glanders were skillful in all kinds of 
handiwork, and labor was greatly diversified. We find soap- 
boilers, tinkers, tailors, glovers, coopers, shoemakers, curriers, 
glaziers, millers, tallow-chandlers, and barber-surgeons,^ all 
represented among the colonists. 

1 Before the days of regular physicians, barbers practiced a rude surgery. The 
barber's pole, with its red stripes, was first used as a sign of the bloody nature of the 
surgeon's work. 



128 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



213. Town Life and Government. — In most of the colonies 
towns were a comparatively late growth, springing up gradually as 
population increased. In New England, on the contrary, towns 
existed from the first, and lay at the foundation of colonial life 
and government. There were no large plantations. The set- 
tlers built their homes near together around their "meeting- 
house." Each man had his share of land, and also certain 
rights of pasturage in the " common," an open field belonging 
to the whole community. 

The term "town" included not only the village, but the sur- 
rounding district of small farms within convenient distance 
from the meeting-house. Each town had a representative in 
the colonial Legislature, besides the privilege of managing com- 
pletely its local affairs. At stated times the "town meeting" 
was held in the church. Here every citizen (in Massachusetts, 
only church-members) had a vote and an equal voice in debate. 
Taxes were levied, laws passed, and the " selectmen " to whom 
their town's affairs were to be entrusted for the coming year 
were chosen. This town government still exists in New Eng- 
land, and as a system of local self-government deserves our 
study and admiration. 

214. Religion. — The religion of the New Englanders filled 
a large share of their thoughts, and influenced every depart- 
ment of their life. In doctrine the Puritan Church was Calvin- 
istic. In government it was Congregational ; that is, the direc- 
tion of church affairs was in the hands of the members of each 
congregation, and no higher authority was recognized. In 
spirit it was characterized by depth of conviction and bitter 
intolerance. Freedom of thought in religion was rewarded 
with stripes, imprisonment, or banishment.^ The ministers 
were highly educated men, usually of marked ability and purity 
of life. They were looked up to by the community, and ex- 

1 Rhode Island was a notable exception in this respect. 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



129 



erted a powerful influence in secular as well as religious affairs. 
The performance of religious duties was enforced by law. The 
people were summoned to church by the beating of a drum. 
Those who stayed away without good excuse had to pay a fine. 
Certain seats near the pulpit were reserved for the elders and 
deacons. The men were seated on one side of the church, the 
women on the other. Behind these were the children and ne- 
groes, and back of all the "tithing men," whose business it was 
to see that a properly reverent spirit was maintained. These 
last were armed with long rods, tipped with brass at one end, 
and a rabbit's foot at the other. As the sermon was often two 
hours long and the prayers in proportion, it not infrequently 
happened that the head of a restless boy was sharply rapped 
with the brass end of the tithing man's rod, or the nose of 
some sleepy old lady gently tickled with the rabbit's foot to 
rouse her from her slumber. No organ nor instrumental music 
of any kind was allowed. The clerk, or precentor, from his 
station in front of the pulpit read out one line at a time from 
the " Bay Psalm Book," while the congregation vigorously 
chanted it after him in different keys. This was called " sing- 
ing by rule." Singing by note was introduced later. 

215. The Sabbath. — Strict observance of the Sabbath (it 
was never called Sunday) was a marked feature of Puritan life. 
The Sabbath began at six o'clock on Saturday evening, and 
closed at sundown on Sunday. Laws to punish violations of the 
Sabbath were numerous and rigidly enforced. No work save 
what was absolutely necessary, no travel, no amusements were 
permitted. 

216. Laws. — The laws were patterned after the Old Testa- 
ment, and regulated minute details of life. In Massachusetts 
there were thirteen offenses punishable by death (not half so 
many, however, as in England at the same time). Among 
these were murder, arson, blasphemy, abuse of parents. Hang- 



130 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



ing was the usual mode of capital punishment, but negroes 
were sometimes burned at the stake. Imprisonment was not a 
common punishment. 
For minor oifenses the 
stocks, the ducking-stool, 
pillory, and whipping-post 
were used. Sometimes Ducking stooi. 

the forehead or cheek of the culprit was 
branded with a hot iron, or he was com- 
pelled to wear, sewed on his garment, a 
large colored letter to indicate his crime. 
Great publicity was given to all kinds of 

stocks. . , 

punishment. 

217. Grades of Society. — There were various grades of so- 
ciety among the New England colonists, with the difference 
between them plainly marked. These social distinctions were 
partly brought over from England, and were partly based on 
education, service to the state, and wealth. The classes, in 
order of rank, were gentlemen, yeomen, merchants, mechanics, 
indented servants,^ and negro slaves. Goodman and goodwife 
were the ordinary titles of men and women. Mr. and Mrs. 
could only be applied to those of the upper class, or order of 
"gentlemen." We are told that Mr. Josias Plaistow, having 
been convicted of theft, was condemned thereafter to drop his 
title, and be known as plain Josias. 

The seats at church were carefully arranged according to the 
social rank of the occupants. The order of names in the college 
catalogues was determined in the same way. It was not till 
1772 that Harvard College substituted the alphabetical arrange- 
ment. 

i These were persons who bound themselves to service for a term of years in pay- 
ment of some debt, generally for their passage to America. For the on gin of this 
use of the word " indented," see any standard unabridged dictionary. 





LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 




218. Dress. — Ordinarily the men wore a homespun jacket 
with a belt around it at the waist, breeches reaching to the 
knees and tied, black stockings that came 
up to the knees, and coarse shoes. Both 
men and women wore tall, pointed hats. 
The women's dresses were of coarse linen. 
They usually plaited their hair in a simple 
braid, but on Sunday it was coiled on top 
of the head and powdered. Among the 
wealthy classes of the large towns there 
was finer dressing, yet undue extravagance 
in dress was prohibited by law. A law of 
Massachusetts forbade the use of veils, 
"immoderate great sleeves," and "slashed 

apparel. England Colonist. 

219. Social Life. — The early Puritans were a stern people, 
averse to social pleasure, though in later times this soberness 

melted to a considerable 

degree. The house-rais- 
ings, huskings, and quilting 
parties gave them an op- 
portunity to help each other 
and indulge in social pleas- 
ures. They did not observe 
Christmas, because they 
associated it with Popish 
feast days. Their holidays 
were Thanksgiving Day, 
Fast Day, Election Day, 
and Training Day (for 
drilling the militia). Mar- 
riage was regarded as a 
civil contract, and was usually performed by justices of the 
peace. Early marriages were common. One writer of the 




Interior of Settler's Home. 



132 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



period speaks of "Miss Wilkins, an old maid of twenty-six, 
looked on in Boston as a dismal spectacle." 

At their funerals, in the small towns, the coffin was carried to 
the grave on men's shoulders. After the burial all returned to 
the home of the deceased, and closed the day with feasting and 
drinking. 

The houses were built of logs, covered with rough boards. 
Each house had a large chimney, with its immense open fire- 
place, often large enough to hold a wagon-load of wood. As 
there were no stoves in those days, the cooking was done in 
these open fire-places. 

220, Education. — From the beginning of their settlement, 
the men of New England took a deep interest in education. 
One of their first acts was to establish a system of free schools. 
In 1649 education was compulsory in every New England col- 
ony except Rhode Island. The result was that every one could 
read and write. Seven years after the founding of Salem, the 
General Court of Massachusetts appropriated a sum for estab- 
lishing a college. Two years later Rev. John Harvard, of 
Charlestown, died, leaving his library and half of his estate, 
with which to aid the plan. In gratitude to its benefactor the 
new institution was called Harvard College, now the oldest col- 
lege in the United States. Yale College was founded in Con- 
necticut, at the beginning of the eighteenth century. At a later 
period Dartmouth College was established in New Hampshire, 
and Brown College in Rhode Island. 

221. Literature. — At first the colonists had few books, and 
these were brought from England. The Bible was the one 
book most universally read, studied, and memorized. In 1639 
the first printing press was set up at Cambridge, Massachu- 
setts. It was the beginning of the next century before the first 
permanent newspaper in America, the ''Boston News-Letter," 
appeared. No "form of literature was more widely read than 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



Poor Richard, I73^> 

A N 

Almanack 

FortheYearof Chrift 
Being the Firft after LEAP TEAR. 

jirtd makes Jinccr CreOlJoTt Tears 

By the Account of the Eaftfim Cretks 724 1 

By (he Latm Chu?tli, when G CDt T 6gTfl 

By the Computation o? JV^IK ^742 

By the Hainan Chronology 5^82 

By the jf^wijb H abbies. 5494 

Wherein is contained^ 
The LianatioTis, Eclipfes, Jvidgment of 
the Weather, Spring Tides, Planets Motions Bc 
molual Afpcfls, Sun and Moon*s Rifing and Set- 
ting, length of Days, Time of Hi^Wftter, 
Tairs, Coarts, and obfervable Days* 
"Fitted to the Latitude of Forty Degrees^ 

and a. Meridian of Five Hours VVetl ^rwnLovdan^ 
but may without fenfible Error, ferveall the ad- 
jacent Places, even from "SewfoundUuid^ixi South* 

By RJCHJRD SJUNDERS.Vhilom . 
PHILADELPHIA1 

Printed and fold by 3. FRANKLIK at the New- 
Printing- Office near the Market 



Title Page of " Poor Richard's Almanack." 



134 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the almanac. "Poor Richard's Almanack," prepared and 
published by Benjamin Franklin, was perhaps the most popular 
of these. It contained scraps of history and poetry, anecdotes 
and epigrams. Some of the wise sayings of "Poor Richard" 
are familiar proverbs to-day. The " Almanacks " were care- 
fully preserved, some households possessing a file of them for 
fifty years. The ministers of New England produced most of 
the writings. The books were nearly all on theological sub- 
jects. Jonathan Edwards's great work, " On the Freedom of 
the Will," is yet considered a masterpiece of logical reasoning. 
The Puritans were great versifiers, but produced little true 
poetry.^ 

222. Summary. — It has been said that the characteristic features 
of New England life were her town meetings, schools, and churches. 
The most prominent traits which lay at the basis of these institutions 
were intense earnestness, intellectual activity, and hatred of all resem- 
blance to priestly rule. The people were orderly and industrious. Their 
keenness of intellect, thrift, and experience in trade made them shrewd bar- 
gain-drivers, whose reputation remains to their descendants to-day. The 
influence of their religion on all departments of life, and their intolerance 
toward other sects, were marked features of their civilization. The gentle, 
imaginative, poetic side of their nature was not developed. The educa- 
tional preeminence of colonial New England was pronounced. The same 
fixedness of conviction that led her people to ignore the rights of others 

1 The most popular book written in New England before the Revolution was a 
poem by Michael Wigglesworth, called the " Day of Doom." The following stanza 
from this " blazing and sulphurous " work describes the fate of the wicked : 

" Then might you hear them tear and rend 
The air with their out-cries : 
The hideous noise of their sad voice 

Ascendeth to the skies. 
They wring their hands, their caitiff hands, 

And gnash their teeth for terror ; 
They cry, they roar, for ang\iish sore, 

And gnaw their tongues for horror. 
But get away without delay ; 
Christ pities not your cry ; 
Depart to hell, there may you yell 
And roar eternally." 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



made them tenacious of their o%vn. In the approaching contest with Eng- 
land, Massachusetts and Virginia led the way, and the New England colo- 
nists furnished to that struggle, and to the national character, some ele- 
ments of greatest strength. 

The Southern Colonies. 

223. Occupations. — The first settlers in the Southern colo- 
nies found a climate and soil admirably adapted to agriculture. 
The Indians being usually friendly, it was not necessary for 
them to live in towns for the purpose of mutual defence. 
Numerous inlets of the sea and navigable rivers afforded a 
convenient means for the transportation of their products to 
European or colonial markets. The introduction of slave labor 
increased the profits of agriculture. Accordingly, farming was 
from the first the universal occupation of the people. There 
were small traders, but no considerable merchant-class. Car- 
penters and mechanics were rare. On each plantation a few 
slaves were trained as blacksmiths, shoemakers, etc. The 
commonest articles of furniture were imported from England. 
A few iron furnaces were established in Virginia by Governor 
Spottswood, and among the North CaroHnians the production of 
lumber, tar, and turpentine in a measure took the place of agri- 
culture. The professions of law and medicine had few follow- 
ers, and did not acquire any standing until near the Revolution. 

224. Principal Crops. — In South Carolina and Georgia, rice 
and indigo were the principal productions. Cotton was raised, 
but not in any great quantity. In Virginia, Maryland, and North 
Carolina, tobacco was the universal crop. Its culture was so 
profitable that everything else was neglected, and it supplied 
the place of money as a medium of exchange. Taxes were 
levied in tobacco, and salaries were paid in tobacco. In later 
colonial days, grain became an important crop in Maryland, and 
large quantities of flour were exported from Baltimore. 



136 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



225. Absence of Towns. — Absence of towns was charac- 
teristic of all the Southern colonies. Plantations lined the 
banks of the navigable streams, and each planter had a wharf 
on the river front, where ships laden with manufactured articles 
from England would land, and receive in return cargoes of 
colonial products. Thus every planter was his own merchant. 
Jamestown, for a long time the principal town of Virginia, con- 
sisted of a church, court-house, and about eighteen other houses. 
The county-seats, established by law for the administration of 
justice, were often located in the midst of a forest, and con- 
sisted of a court-house, a prison, a poorly-kept inn, and usually 
a church. The Legislatures of several of the colonies passed 
laws that towns should be established at specified places "for 
the encouragement of trade and manufacture." But these 
"paper towns" were failures. At the close of the colonial 
period, Charleston, with a population of about 15,000, was the 
principal town in the Southern colonies. Baltimore came next 
in size, then Norfolk, Virginia, with about 7000. Savannah, 
the largest town in Georgia, had 1200 inhabitants. In North 
Carolina only three places could be called towns, the largest, 
Wilmington, with a population of not over 600. • 

226. Slavery. — The culture of tobacco and rice, by mak- 
ing slave labor profitable, fastened the institution of African 
slavery upon the Southern colonies. Slaves were most numer- 
ous in South Carolina, where they outnumbered the whites two 
to one. In Virginia the slave and free population were about 
equal. The prohibition of slavery in Georgia was found to re- 
tard the growth of the colony, and was finally removed through 
the protests of the colonists and the influence of Rev. George 
Whitefield, who argued that the transportation of the negro 
from his savage home in Africa to a Christian land, where he 
would be humanely treated and forced to work, was a benefit 
to him. Alarm at the rapid increase of slaves, and dread of 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



an uprising of the negroes, led to the passage of extremely- 
harsh laws concerning them. Yet, in general, the relation be- 
tween master and slave was a kindly one,^ The negroes were 
well fed, comfortably clothed, not overworked, and, as a class, 
were contented and happy. 

227. Government. — At the close of the colonial period all 
the Southern colonies, except Maryland, had come under the 
Royal form of government (§ 210). The privilege of voting 
was usually restricted to land-owners. Political affairs were 
controlled by the large planters, who were cordially supported, 
however, by the small farmers. The county 
(instead of the town, as in New England) 
was the unit of local government, and was 
modeled after the English shire. Commis- 
sioners, or justices of the peace, were ap- 
pointed by the governor for each county, to 
try offenses and administer such affairs as 
were not regulated by the Assembly. In 
some instances the church vestry, chosen by 
the heads of families, exercised certain powers 
of government. As a rule the people were 
not hampered by legal restraints upon the minor details of 
their conduct. The whipping-post was the common means of 
punishing violators of the law, though the pillory and ducking- 
stool were not unfamiliar objects. Cutting the ears was some- 
times resorted to, as in the case of the faithless clerk of the 
Virginia Assembly (§ 92). 

228. Society. — The planters were the ruling class socially 
as well as politically. They comprised two divisions, the large 

1 The little son of the planter might often be seen in the cabin " quarters " seated 
upon the knee of a gray-haired negro and listening with wonder and delight to 
the old " uncle's " tales of " Bre'r Rabbit " and " Bre'r Fox" ; when bed-time found 
" little massa " thus, he was tenderly carried home in the arms of his black " mammy," 
as his nurse was called. 




138 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



land-holders and the small planters. Separated from the 
planters by a broad social gulf was the comparatively small 
class of merchant-traders and landless laborers. At the bot- 
tom of the social scale, and cut off from the rest by an impassa- 
ble barrier, was the great mass of negro slaves. The large 
planters, with their hundreds of acres and scores of slaves, gave 
an aristocratic air to southern life. One of these estates re- 
sembled a small village. In the center of a grassy lawn, dotted 
with stately trees, stood the mansion of the planter, built of 



wood or brick, two stories high, with its broad veranda sup- 
ported by lofty pillars, its wide hallway, and low ceilings. 
Clustered around the mansion were numerous offices and store- 
houses, while a row of cabins, comprising the " negro-quarters," 
nestled in the distance.-^ The small planters lived in less 
style, and had fewer slaves. Bountiful hospitality charac- 
terized the people. There was usually one miserable tavern 
at each county-seat, but this was chiefly a resort for loafing 
and drinking. Only when court was in session did it have 

^ In the Southern colonies the law of entail provided that estates could not be 
divided, but were to be handed down to the eldest son. 




Southern Colonial Mansion, 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



any guests. " Court-days " were eagerly welcomed by the 
people as a release from their isolated life. Then the deserted 
county-seat became a scene of bustle and confusion. The free- 
men of the county, rich and poor, there met on an equal foot- 
ing, cracked jokes, talked politics, engaged in athletic sports, 
" swapped " horses, or bet on the speed of a favorite nag. In 
fine weather barbecues were common, when whole oxen and 
pigs were roasted, and contests in fiddling, wrestling, and danc- 
ing were held. Once a year, when the Assembly met, the colo- 
nial capital was a gay social center. Then the planter and his 
wife and daughters, arrayed in their finest clothes, were whirled 
away in their coach-and-four to Annapolis, Williamsburg, or 
Charleston, where they listened to the speeches in the hall of 
burgesses, visited horse-races, or attended a grand ball at the 
governor's palace." Marriages were performed by clergymen, 
usually in church. In Maryland a special tax was imposed upon 
bachelors. In Virginia it would seem that the modern practice 
of " flirting " was discouraged. Governor Wyat, of that colony, 
required that any man or woman " engaging to marry two sev- 
eral persons at one time " should be punished by whipping or 
a fine, " according to the quality of the person so offending." 

229. Religion. — At the close of the colonial period the 
Church of England was the Established ^ Church in all the 
Southern colonies, although in Virginia alone did its members 
constitute a majority of the white population. Among dissent- 
ing sects, the most numerous and influential in Virginia and 
North Carolina were the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians ; in South 
Carolina, Huguenots ; in Maryland, Roman Catholics and Puri- 
tans; in Georgia, Lutherans, Methodists, and Baptists. Fining, 
imprisonment, and banishment were punishments sometimes 
inflicted for non-conformity to the Established Church. Mary- 
land was the first colony to establish religious toleration, and 

[ 1 That is, the State Church, supported by the government. 

! 



I40 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the Carolinas and Georgia followed her example. The first 
permanent church in America was erected at Jamestown.. The 

governor and his council, 
in full dress, were regular 
attendants, and occupied 
seats of honor. Owing 
to the scattered popula- 
tion, some of the parishes 
extended over fifty miles, 
rendering regular attend- 
ance upon church im- 
possible. The ministers 
were brought from Eng- 
land, and included many- 
men of high character 
and mental ability, such 
as Rev. Jas. Blair, the 
founder of William and 
Mary College. In later 
colonial times, however, 
the fast lives of some of 
the English clergy, their quarrels over questions of salary, and 
the suspicion of disloyalty to the colonies lessened the in- 
fluence of the ministry as a class. 

230. Education. — The sparsely settled character of the 
country in the South made it difficult to establish schools. 
Governor Berkeley's oft-quoted remark that he ''thanked God 
there were no free schools nor printing-presses in Virginia" 
was not the sentiment of the colonists, but indicated the policy 
of the English governors, who would have their subjects 
ignorant in order to keep them submissive. Yet the bigotry 
of the rulers had its effect in encouraging indifference to 
popular education. Schools in the South were few. The 1 




Old Brick Church, near Smithfield, Va., 
Erected in 1632. 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



141 



wealthy planters employed private tutors, or sent their sons to 
England to be educated. Yet the founding of William and 
Mary College in Virginia in 1693, the second oldest college in 
the United States, shows the early interest of the people in 
education. Through the efforts of Rev. Jas. Blair ^^2500 
were subscribed by the colonists for founding a college. The 
Assembly approved the plan, and against official resistance in 
England a charter was secured from the sovereigns, William 




William and iVIary College in 1739. 



and Mary, after whom the institution was named. The first 
commencement of the college was a grand occasion. Not 
only Virginians but a number of Indians were present, while 
visitors from Maryland and even from Pennsylvania and New 
York came in boats to attend the exercises. 

231. Literature. — Printing was forbidden in Virginia by 
the English government, and was discouraged in all the 
colonies directly under the Crown. The first newspaper in 
the South was the Maryland Gazette, which appeared at 
Annapolis in 1727. In 1765 there were ten newspapers in 
the Southern colonies ; two in Maryland, one in Virginia, two 



142 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



in North Carolina, four in South Carolina, and one in Georgia. 
(In the same year the Middle colonies had thirteen news- 
papers, New England twenty.) The books of the colonists, 
like their furniture, were imported from England. The pro- 
ductions of native authors were generally narrative or descrip- 
tive, and possessed no permanent literary value. Compared 
with the writings of New England, the literature of the South 
was less abundant and was characterized by lightness and 
worldliness rather than by theological soberness. 

232. Summary. — In the Southern colonies, as a whole, loyalty to the 
king and to the Established Church characterized the dominant class of 
settlers. The circumstances of their new homes made them an agricultural 
people and fastened upon them the institution of slavery. These facts 
will account for the distinctive features of colonial civilization in the 
South. There was no diversity of labor. The planters constituted the 
bulk of the population and were the leaders in society and politics. The 
" poor whites," descendants, for the most part, of indented servants, were 
ignorant and shiftless. They were few in number, however, and without 
standing or influence. The slaves constituted nearly half the population, 
and as a rule were humanely treated. The isolated homes of the colonists 
and the bigotry of their rulers hindered the progress of popular education. 
Nevertheless there were occasional free schools, and Virginia boasted the 
second oldest college in the country. While instances of religious persecu- 
tion were not wanting, yet intolerance was not a characteristic of the people. 
Loyal churchmen as they were, they were quick to resent any infringe- 
ment of their rights by king or clergy. Jovial, hospitable, and sociable, 
their manner of life encouraged extravagance and love of ease. Gambling 
and intemperance were prevailing vices. Open-hearted generosity, refine- 
ment of feeling, patriotism, and a high sense of honor were characteristics 
of the better class. When the Revolutionary struggle came on, no section 
of the country furnished so splendid a group of leaders in the council and 
the field. 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



The Middle Colonies. 

233. Nationality and Occupation of the People. — New 

York and Delaware alone of the thirteen colonies were not 
founded by the English race. The population of the Middle 
colonies as a whole was more heterogeneous than that of 



either New England or the South. 
The descendants of the Dutch 
continued to constitute a majority 
of the white population of New 
York, and gave a distinctive char- 
acter to the colony. The Germans 
in Pennsylvania nearly equaled in 
number the colonists of English 
descent. Agriculture and trade in 
nearly equal proportions engaged 
the attention of the people. Grain 
was the principal production, al- 




^ ^ ^ . Dutch Windmill. 

though there was a considerable 

diversity of crops. Numerous windmills in New York and 
watermills in Pennsylvania ground the wheat into flour, which 




First Warehouse in New York. 

formed the leading export. New York was the chief trading 
and commercial colony. The fur-trade was most extensive and 
profitable. There were glass and paper factories, and in 



144 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Pennsylvania the iron industry received some attention. In 
Pennsylvania the professions of law and medicine were in 
good repute. 

234. Religion. — Religious toleration was a marked charac- 
teristic of the Middle colonies. New York formed an exception 
to this in her treatment of the Roman Catholics and Quakers. 
Her hatred of the Catholics was largely due to constant war- 
fare with the Roman Catholic French of Canada. The Quak- 
ers, true to their teachings, established a religious toleration as 
complete as that of to-day, and Pennsylvania became a refuge 
for a great variety of religious denominations. The ministers 
in the Middle colonies were generally upright and learned men. 
Those of New York were jovial in their lives and free from 
great formality. The predominant sects were Dutch Prot- 
estants in New York ; Quakers in Pennsylvania and Dela- 
ware ; Quakers, Congregationalists, and Scotch Presbyterians 
in New Jersey. 

235. Education. — Numerous free schools were supported in 
New York by the Dutch. Under English rule, however, popu- 
lar education in the colony languished. The only free school 
in Pennsylvania was founded by the Quakers at Philadelphia 
in 1689. There were a few private schools in Pennsylvania 
supported chiefly by the Moravians, and a few free town-schools 
in New Jersey. In 1746 the Presbyterians of New Jersey 
founded the first college in the Middle colonies (now Princeton 
College). Kings (now Columbia), an Episcopal college, was 
established at New York in 1754. The next year the College 
of Pennsylvania was founded at Philadelphia. Among the 
lower classes of Maryland and Pennsylvania there was much 
ignorant superstition about ghosts, witches, spells and charms. 

236. Government. — Pennsylvania and Delaware continued 
under proprietary government until the Revolution, while New 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



York and New Jersey came directly under the rule of the 
Crown. In the first two colonies the Council was merely an 
advisory body to the governor, and so the Legislature was com- 
posed of only one house, the Assembly. In their local govern- 
ment the Middle colonies occupied a position between the 
"town" system of New England and the county system of the 
South. In Pennsylvania and Delaware, county government 
prevailed, with the distinctive feature that all county officers 
were elected by the people.-^ New York and New Jersey had 
county government, and also "town meetings," the latter, how- 
ever, with less ample powers than those of New England. The 
Quakers were mild in their punishment of crime. Pennsylvania 
made murder the only capital offense, and criminals were pun- 
ished with fines and light imprisonment. In 17 18 this mild 
system was abandoned. The whipping-post and pillory were 
introduced, and the number of capital offenses was increased 
to fourteen. In New York and New Jersey, negro murderers 
were burned at the stake. 

237. Social Classes. — In the Dutch patroons New York 
possessed a more distinctly aristocratic class than any of the 
other colonies. These great landed proprietors on their vast 
estates, with their hundreds of tenants, multitudes of servants, 
and princely power lived in magnificent style. There were 
single estates that elected members of the Assembly, and these 
elections were controlled by the patroons. In the other Middle 
colonies the wealthy landed gentry constituted the highest 
class, but there were few large estates. There were many 
indented servants and a considerable number of slaves.^ With 

1 The Pennsylvania system of county government exists in most states to-day. 

2 In New York there was a deep antipathy to the negroes, which showed itself on 
two occasions in a craze of excitement not unlike the witchcraft frenzy of Massachu- 
setts. In the "negro plot" of 1741 the blacks were accused of plotting to burn the 
city of New York. Before the panic was over 13 of the unfortunate creatures were 
burned at the stake, 18 were hanged, and 17 transported, in accordance with the 
judgment of the court. 



146 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the exception of New York, social distinctions were less marked 
in the Middle colonies than in New England or the South. 

238. Social Life. — Social life and customs were largely 
moulded by the Dutch in New York, and by the Quakers in 
the remaining Middle colonies. In New York the lords of the 
manor dressed in silks and velvets, and lived in large, hand- 




somely furnished houses of brick or stone. They had great 
barns, and an abundance of horses and cattle. They generally 
spent their winters in the town of New York, returning to their 
country-seats in the spring. The houses of the moderate farm- 
ers were of wood, sometimes trimmed with yellow Holland brick, 
and surmounted with a gilded weather-cock. The furniture 
was plain and solid. The sideboards were plentifully supplied 
with wine and decorated with a rack of tobacco-pipes, for the 
Dutch were great smokers. Both sexes dressed in homespun. 

1 From " Memorial History of New York." I 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 




Burgomaster of 
New Amsterdar 



The loose, "baggy" breeches of the men and the numerous 
petticoats of the women gave them a clumsy appearance. The 
Dutch women were notable housewives. Their 
houses were kept scrupulously clean, and their 
floors were regularly scrubbed and sanded. 
Carpets were not used. The people were fond 
of social pleasure, and had a great liking for 
holidays. Christmas and New Year's were 
great festivals. St. Valentine's Day, Easter, 
and May Day were also celebrated by the 
young people. 

The Quakers of Pennsylvania and New Jer- 
sey were the best farmers of their time, thrifty, 
temperate, and economical. In the older settled 
communities the houses were generally of brick, 
plastered and papered, and plainly furnished. 
Leather breeches, hempen jackets, and broad 
hats were worn by the farmers on work-days. House-raisings, 
huskings, and cider-pressings were occasions 
of social gatherings, but the ordinary daily 
life of the Quakers was sober and monotonous. 
Journeys were made on horseback. The 
bride rode to the wedding seated on a "pil- 
lion" behiijd her father, and returned in the 
same way behind her husband. In New 
Jersey a cow and a side saddle constituted a 
usual dower of the average farmer's daughter. 
Philadelphia and New York were the social 
centers of the Middle colonies ; in the latter 
place, especially, society was gay and fashion- 
„ , able. 

Quaker. 

239. Summary. — In their social and political institutions, as in their 
geographical situation, the Middle colonies occupy a middle ground between 
the New England and the Southern groups. Neither trade nor agriculture 




148 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 




engrossed the exclusive attention of the people. Their local government 
was a compromise between the " town " and county systems. Slaves were 
more numerous than in New England, but far less abundant than in the 
South. The Middle colonies possessed the largest foreign population 
As a rule social distinctions were less marked than in either of the other 
sections. In the Quaker colonies neither the religious persecution of 
the New England Puritans nor the intolerance of the Virginia Churchmen 
existed. Both the Dutch and the Quakers were slow in thought and action. 
In the Revolution they furnished a conservative class that formed a valu- 
able element of strength in the struggle. 

240. Thought Questions. — Whence did the colonists borrow the idea of 
having two branches in their colonial Legislatures ? What points do you 
see to admire in the town system of local government in New England ? 
In the county system of the South ? How did the methods of church govern- 
ment of the settlers of Massachusetts and of Virginia influence their local 
civil government ? Contrast the soil and climate of Massachusetts and of 
Virginia. How did these differences affect the occupations of the settlers 
in New England and the South ? their local government ? the institution 
of slavery ? If the New England Puritans had settled in Virginia, and the 
Virginia Royalists had settled in New England, would the distinctive 
features of colonial life in the two sections have been different from what 
they really were ? Was the difference in the life of the colonists due 
chiefly to local surroundings in America, or to the character and religion 
of the settlers, or to both ? Are the differences between the sections of 
our country to-day more or less marked than they were in colonial times ? 
Give the reason for your answer. What causes to-day tend to give 
uniformity to the manners and customs of the people in all parts of the 
United States ? What causes tend to difference In what particular 
have we made the greatest improvement since colonial times 



Topical Analysis (Life in the Colonies). 



206. Introductory : Close of an Era. 



207. Territorial | Formation of colonies. 



Situation of settlements. 
Region west of the Alleghanies. 



GENERAL VIEW 
OF THE 
COLONIES. 




208. Population. 



The different colonies. 
Towns and cities. 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



GENERAL VIEW 
OF THE 
COLONIES 

{continued). 



^ The slave trade. 
209. Slavery. <J The Northern colonies. 

The Southern colonies, 
f Republican colonies. 
<; 210. Government. \ Proprietary colonies. 

[ Royal colonies. 

f Differences. 
Colonies Classified. Resemblance. 

[ Three groups. 

Farming. 
Fisheries. 
Shipbuilding. 
Commerce. 
Handicrafts. 



NEW ENGLAND 
COLONIES. 



212. Occupations of the 
People. 



f Origin. 

213. Towns. \ Limits. 

Government. 

r Puritan church. 

^ ,. . Intolerance. 

214. Religion. ... . 

^ j Mmisters. 

L Church services, 
r Duration. 
Observance, 
f Capital offenses. 
\ Modes of punishment. 

f Basis. 

Grades of Society. \ Classes. 

[ Distinctions. 

^ r Of the men. 
Dress. \ „^ . 

1^ Of the women. 

f Social pleasures. 



217 



218 



215. The Sabbath. 



216. Laws. 



219. Social Life. 



<| Holidays. 
1^ Mar 



220. Education. 



Marriages and funerals. 

J Schools. 

\ Colleges. 

r First printing press. 

^ ^ First newspaper. 

Literature. <^ . , 

Almanacs. 

i. Character of literature. 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



223. Occupations. 



224. 



Inducements to agriculture. 
Other occupations. 

f In South Carolina and Georgia. 
Principal Crops. -{ In Virginia and North Carolina. 
1^ In Maryland. 
^ The planter his own merchant. 
Absence of J County seats. 
Towns. j " Paper towns." 

L Principal towns in the South. 
^ Profitableness. 



226. Slavery. 



Number of slaves. 



227 



Whitefield's argument. 
L Relation between master and slave. 
Royal colonies. 
Influence of land-owners. 
Government. ^ The county. 

Trial of offenses. 
Modes of punishment. 
Large planters. 
Small planters. 
Traders and laborers. 
228. Society. Slaves. 

Court days. 
The colonial capitals. 
Marriages. 

r The Established Church. 

^ ,. . Dissenting sects. 

Religion. H T . 1 

1 Intolerance. 

L Clergymen. 

Scarcity of schools. 
William and Mary College, 
f Prohibition of printing. 
Literature. ^ Books. 

Character of literature. 



230. Education. 



231 



t 

■1 



233- 



Nationality and 
Occupations. 



Mixed population. 
Principal occupations. 
Principal productions. 
Leading export. 
Other occupations. 



LIFE IN THE COLONIES. 



MIDDLE 
COLONIES 

{continued). 



234. Religion. 



235. Education. 



236. Government. 



237. Social Classes 



238. Social Life. 



Toleration. 

Intolerance in New York. 
Ministers. 

Leading denominations. 
Schools and colleges. 
Superstitions. 

Pennsylvania and Delaware. 
New York and New Jersey. 
Local government. 
L Punishment of crime. 
Patroons of New York. 
Land-owners of other colonies. 
Social distinctions. 
The Dutch of New York. 
The Quakers of Pa. and New Jersey. 



ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



I. WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 

I. Causes leading to the War, 1760-74. 

II. Beginnings of the War, April, 1775-July, 1776. 

I. In Massachusetts. ^ , . . , ^ , . 

Q ^ [Washington appomted Commander-in- 

" , , ^ " . ^ I Chief ; Declaration of Independence. 
3. On the Carolina Coast. J 

III. Struggle for the Middle States, July, 1776-July, 1778. 

1. Campaigns around New York City.^ 

2. Campaigns in northern New York. [> Treaty with France. 

3. Campaigns around Philadelphia. J ^ 

IV. War beyond the Frontiers, 1778-9. 

1. West of the Alleghanies. 

2. On the Ocean. 

V. War in the South, 1778-81. 

1. In Georgia and the Carolinas. ) Arnold's Treason. 

2. In Virginia. ) Treaty of Peace with Great Britain. 



I. CAUSES LEADING TO THE REVOLUTION. 

241. Old Grievances. — As a rule, the English kings were 
careless of the rights of their American subjects. America 
was valued chiefly as a means to pay royal debts by grants 
of territory, or to reward court favorites by appointments to 
colonial offices. The royal governors frequently lacked both 
character and ability, and often provoked the people to resist- 
ance. When the tyranny of Governor Nicholson became un- 
bearable to the Virginians, the king at last graciously consented 
to transfer him to another colony, and he became in turn gov- 
ernor of Maryland and of Carolina. Every colony, except Penn- 
sylvania and Delaware, was at some period in its history the 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



153 



victim of incompetent governors. But the victories won by 
English and colonial troops in the French and Indian War had 
caused old grievances to be forgotten and good feeling to pre- 
vail between the colonies and the mother-country. It was the 
course of the king and Parliament subsequent to 1760, in 
attempting to enforce certain old laws and in passing new ones 
distasteful to the colonists, that hurried on the Revolution. 

242. Laws of Trade and Navigation. — It was commonly 
believed in England that British traders and manufacturers 
should not only be protected from competition in the colonies, 
but that they should derive an actual profit from colonial trade. 
To this end, more than one hundred years before the Revolu- 
tion, Parliament had begun to pass laws to regulate shipping, 
trade, and manufactures in the colonies. These laws provided 
among other things (i) that no foreign vessel, except British, 
should carry goods to or bring them from the colonies ; (2) that 
certain colonial products, such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton, 
should not be exported to any part of the world save to Great 
Britain or her colonies ; (3) that all European products needed 
by the colonists should be purchased in England and imported 
in English ships ; (4) that no articles made in England should 
be manufactured in the colonies. The object of these laws 
was partly to injure Eagland's rivals (especially the Dutch, who 
at that time did most of the carrying trade of the world), but 
chiefly to enrich British merchants and manufacturers at the 
expense of the American colonists. 

243. The Laws Evaded. — The disastrous effect of such 
laws upon the prosperity of the colonies, if strictly enforced, 
can be readily imagined. For nearly one hundred years the 
colonists ignored or evaded them. The numerous harbors on 
the American coast made it easy for smugglers ^ to avoid the 

1 To smuggle goods is to import them without paying the import tax required by- 
law. 



154 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



king's officers. When offenders were arrested sympathizing 
juries refused to convict them, and even the judges appointed 
by the king were disposed to be lenient, remembering that their 
salaries depended upon the vote of colonial Assemblies. The 
pressure of the French wars prevented the British government 
from turning its attention to the enforcement of the law. 

244. Efforts to Enforce the Navigation Laws. — When the 
French power in America was overthrown, England was free to 
enforce her hated navigation laws. Colonial juries having re- 



contrary to law. The colonists, believing the navigation 
laws unjust, were ready to oppose any effective measures 
for enforcing them. Moreover, it was held that these new 
measures were violations of the British Constitution, which al- 
lowed to every citizen the right of trial by jury, and declared 
his house should be secure against unreasonable search. 
James Otis resigned his position as advocate-general of Massa- 
chusetts to avoid supporting the writs. The Boston merchants 
appealed to the courts to declare the writs illegal, and employed 
Otis as their counsel. The case was decided against them, yet 




James Otis. 



fused to punish smugglers, 
"Admiralty Courts" were 
established in the colonies, 
with authority to try offend- 
ers without juries. A still 
more formidable measure 
was the issuance of "writs of 
assistance" (1761). These 
were general warrants good 
for an indefinite time, author- 
izing officers to search all 
suspected places at any hour 
of the day for goods sup- 
posed to have been imported 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



the powerful arguments of Otis exerted a wide influence in 
strengthening the opposition of the people. 

245. The *< Parson's Case.'* — While the admiralty courts 
and the writs of assistance were causing dissatisfaction and 
resistance in the commercial colonies, an event took place in 
Virginia which weakened the authority of the king in that loyal 
colony. The annual salary of each minister of the Established 
Church in Virginia was fixed by law at 16,000 pounds of tobacco, 
and this amount was raised by taxation. One year, when there 
was a failure of the tobacco crop, the Virginia Assembly passed 
a law allowing the salaries of ministers to be paid in money at 
the rate of twopence for each 
pound of tobacco due. As 
this sum was far below the 
market value of tobacco the 
clergy objected, and appealed 
to the king. The result was 
the king annulled or set aside 
the "two-penny act" of the 
Assembly. The ministers 
thereupon brought suits in 
their respective counties to 
recover the difference in salary 

, , r , Patrick Henry. 

due them. In one of the coun- 
ties Patrick Henry, an obscure young lawyer, was chosen to 
represent the tax-payers. In a speech of surprising boldness 
and eloquence, he denounced the king as a tyrant for setting 
aside a good law, and declared that the Assembly of Virginia 
" was the only authority for the laws of the colony." His words 
were cheered by the large crowd present, and the jury brought 
in a verdict awarding only one penny to the clergymen. In all 
parts of Virginia, Henry's defiance of the king was discussed, 
some condemning it as treason, many others approving it. 




156 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



246. The Colonies to be Taxed. — The expenses of the 
French wars had brought an enormous debt upon England. 
As the wars had been waged partly in the interest of the colo- 
nies, England claimed that the colonies should help to pay the 
cost. Accordingly, the British Parliament decided to go a step 
further than it had ever gone before ; it determined to raise a 
revenue from the colonies by taxation. An old law, placing a 
duty on sugar and molasses, was revived, and the Stamp Act 
was passed (1765), requiring government stamps to be placed 
on all contracts, notes, and legal documents. These stamps 
were to be sold by British officials, and from this source a large 
revenue was expected. 

247. Feeling of the Americans. — The proposed taxation 
of Americans by the British Parliament awakened a greater 
storm than did the enforcement of the navigation laws. Cen- 
turies before this, the people of England had taken away from 
their king the power to tax them, and had declared that in 
England taxes could be imposed only by the representatives 
elected by the people. In accordance with this principle, the 
American colonists claimed they could be taxed only by their 
colonial AssembUes. They elected no representatives to Par- 
liament ; that body, therefore, had no right to tax them. More- 
over, inasmuch as their territory, when first discovered, was con- 
sidered to belong to the king, and as they had obtained their 
title to the soil from the king, they held that they were subject 
to the king alone, and not to Parliament. As to the expenses 
of the French wars, the colonists held that they had already 
paid their share in the soldiers and supplies they had fur- 
nished. 

248. The British Parliament. — The Parliament which pro- 
posed to tax the American colonists did not truly represent the 
people of England. In the United States to-day, we know that 
members of Congress are elected from districts of nearly equal 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



population ; and as population increases much more rapidly in 
some parts of the country than in others, we rearrange our rep- 
resentative districts every ten years in order to prevent unfair- 
ness in representation. In England, however, members of 
Parliament had been originally elected from " shires " or 
"boroughs," as such, and without reference to population. 
At the time of George III. these parliamentary districts, never 
regular, had not been changed for 200 years. As a conse- 
quence, cities like Manchester and Birmingham, which had 
sprung up in recent years, had no representatives, while other 
districts, whose population had decreased to hardly a dozen 
inhabitants, were yet allowed to choose members of Parlia- 
ment. The votes in these " rotten boroughs " were controlled 
by the king and a few wealthy families. The people of the 
unrepresented cities had begun to complain of their unjust 
treatment, and they sympathized with the Americans in their 
cry of "no taxation without representation." 



249. Resistance to the Stamp Act. — News of the passage 
of the Stamp Act reached America in the spring of 1765. 
From Virginia came the first response. Her Assembly passed 
a series of resolutions introduced by the great orator, Patrick 
Henry, and supported by his matchless 
eloquence, declaring that " the Assembly 
of this colony have the only and sole ex- 
clusive right to levy taxes upon the in- 
habitants." John Ashe, speaker of the 
North Carolina Assembly, declared to the 
royal governor that in his colony the 
Stamp Act "would be resisted to blood," 
whereupon the governor promptly dis- 
solved the Assembly. The Massachusetts 
Assembly resolved that their courts should recognize unstamped 
documents, and sent a circular to the other colonies recom- 




British Stamp. 



158 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



mending that a congress of delegates from all the colonies be 
held in New York to consider common grievances. In some 
places the feeling of opposition was so strong that mobs were 
formed and deeds of cruelty and lawlessness enacted.'^ Every- 
where stamp agents were forced to resign, and the stamps were 
either destroyed or sent back to England. 

250. The Stamp Act Congress. — This Congress, proposed 
by Massachusetts and seconded by South Carolina, met in 
New York just before the Stamp Act was to go into effect 
(October, 1765). Twenty-eight delegates were present, repre- 
senting nine colonies. Four colonies were unrepresented, chiefly 
through opposition of their royal governors and not through 
lack of interest in the cause. Petitions to the king and 
Parliament ^ were prepared and also a Declaration of Rights, 
asserting that the colonies should be free from all taxes not 
imposed with their own consent. 

251. The Stamp Act Repealed. — It soon became evident 
to the British ministry that to enforce the Stamp Act an army 
must be used, and they were unwilling to go so far. The 
colonies, moreover, were not without sympathizers in England. 
When Parliament met in 1766, a petition against the Stamp 
Act was presented by the London merchants trading with 
America. William Pitt, now old and suffering with disease, 
appeared in the House of Commons on crutches, and fiercely 
opposed the policy of the British government. "I rejoice 
that America has resisted," said he. "If her people had sub- 
mitted, they would have voluntarily become slaves. My 
opinion is that the Stamp Act should be repealed, absolutely, 

1 In Boston the home of Chief-Justice Hutchison was burned by a mob, the Justice 
and his family barely escaping. In New York a torch-light procession dragged 
through the streets the governor's chariot bearing images of the governor and the 
devil, and finally made a bonfire of the chariot. 

2 Gadsden, of South Carolina, objected to sending petitions to Parliament, because 
thereby its authority would be acknowledged. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



159 



totally, immediately." The result was the repeal of the Stamp 
Act before it had been in operation six months. At the same 
time a resolution was passed declaring that Parliament had the 
right to tax the colonies in all cases. Thus the principle of 
taxation without representation was still maintained. 

252. The Townshend Acts. — The next year two laws 
known as the Townshend Acts (from their author, Charles 
Townshend) were passed. The first provided for the stricter 
execution of the laws of trade ; the second, for imposing a tax 
^n glass, paper, and tea. Again bitter opposition was aroused, 
especially in the commercial colonies. The Massachusetts 
Assembly sent a circular to the various colonies censuring the 
recent acts of the British government in reference to trade and 
taxation. The king ordered the Assembly, under penalty of 
being instantly dissolved, to rescind this circular. By a vote 
of ninety-two to seventeen the Massachusetts Assembly refused 
to obey, thus deliberately defying the authority of the king. 
The Virginia Assembly the next year endorsed the Massa- 
chusetts circular and sent copies of her resolutions of approval 
to all the other colonies. 

253. The Mutiny Act and the Boston Massacre. — Several 
regiments of British troops were stationed in New York and 
Boston to enforce the unpopular laws. By the Mutiny Act 
of 1765 the colonies were required to furnish food and quarters 
for the soldiers. The New York Assembly having failed to 
provide fully for the troops. Parliament suspended its powers 
of legislation. All the colonies looked upon this act of Parlia- 
ment as a serious invasion of their rights. Boston flatly refus- 
ing to provide shelter for the soldiers, they were compelled to 
rent quarters at the expense of the Crown. There were 
frequent quarrels between the troops and the populace. 
Finally a collision occurred in which a squad of soldiers fired 
upon a crowd of citizens, killing three persons and wounding 



t6o 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



several others^ (1770). This affair, known as the "Boston 
Massacre," increased the excitement all over the country. 

254. The Battle of Alamance. — In North Carolina exces- 
sive fees had been collected by the officers of the royal 
governor, and the taxes had been squandered. The people of 
the western counties of the colony organized to resist the pay- 
ment of such taxes as were not " agreeable to law, and applied 
to the purposes therein mentioned." In 1 771, at Alamance, 
near the head-waters of the Cape Fear River, a battle took 
place between the tax-payers and the governor's troops. The 
rebels were beaten, a large number were killed, and several of 
the captured were hanged as traitors. This was the first blood 
shed in America in resistance to unjust British taxation. 

255. The Tax on Tea. — The British government decided 
to remove all taxes save that on tea. The tea tax was retained 
to show the colonists that the right to' tax them was still main- 
tained. Thereupon the Americans refused to buy tea shipped 
from England, and either drank none at all, or smuggled it 
from Holland. In order to induce them to use this taxed tea, 
it was provided that on all tea shipped from England to the 
colonies the owners should have refunded to them the duty 
paid when first imported into England from China. By this 
means the tea could be sold to the colonists, with the American 
duty added, cheaper than it could be purchased elsewhere. 
But the colonists refused to be caught in the king's trap. It 
was not the payment of a few pence, but the principle of 
"taxation without representation" that they opposed. From 
Massachusetts to Georgia the people showed their indignation. 
The merchants of Philadelphia, New York, and Charleston, to 
whom the first shiploads of tea under the act were consigned, 
agreed not to receive it. As the Boston tea merchants 

1 The soldiers were tried for murder. Two were convicted of manslaughter, the 
rest were acquitted. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



l6l 



refused to join in this agreement, the eyes of the whole 
country were turned to that city to see what course the people 
would take. When the first three shiploads of tea arrived at 
that port, fifty men disguised as Indians boarded the vessels, 
cut open the chests of tea and emptied them into the harbor. 

256. Punishment of Boston- — The British government 
decided that severe punishment should be inflicted upon 




Throwing the Tea Overboard. (An old Print.) 



Boston and the colony of Massachusetts for the destruction of 
the tea. Parliament at once passed an act known as the 
Boston Port Bill, by which no ships were allowed to leave or 
enter the port of Boston, until the town should pay for the tea 
destroyed. This put a stop to all commerce, and threatened 
the people with financial ruin. By another act, the charter of 
Massachusetts was annulled, the appointment of nearly all the 



l62 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



officers was vested in the king, and the most important powers 
of the town meetings were taken away. 

257. First Continental Congress.^ — From all the colonies 
came expressions of sympathy for the people of Boston, who 
were regarded as sufferers in a common cause. Georgia and 
South Carolina sent hundreds of barrels of rice to feed the 
hungry patriots. The Virginia Assembly set apart the first 
day of June (when the Boston Port Bill was to go into effect) 
as a day of "fasting, humiliation, and prayer." For this, the 
governor at once dissolved the Assembly, but the members 
met the next day at Raleigh Tavern and proposed a general 
congress of the colonies. A few days later, but before the 
news from Virginia had reached them, the Massachusetts 
Assembly made a similar proposition. The other colonies 
accepted the invitation of Virginia and Massachusetts, Georgia 
alone being prevented from doing so by the efforts of her 
royal governor. On September 5, 1774, the delegates met 
in Philadelphia. The Congress approved the resistance of 
Massachusetts to the despotic acts of Parliament, demanded a 
repeal of the laws invading their rights, and recommended 
commercial non-intercourse with Great Britain. They also 
prepared addresses to the king and people of Great Britain 
and fixed the i6th day of May following for a second congress. 

258. Summary of Causes of Revolution. — In their gifts of territory 
as well as in their appointments of colonial governors, the British 
sovereigns were careless of the welfare of their American subjects. Parlia- 
ment considered the colonies as existing solely for the benefit of the com- 
merce and manufactures of Great Britain, and passed navigation laws in 
accordance with this idea. For years these laws were evaded, but at the 
close of the French Wars, England determined to enforce them and also 
to tax the colonists. The Americans declared there should be no taxation 
without representation. Their determined resistance to the Stamp Act 

1 Called "Continental" Congress to distinguish it from "Provincial" Congress, a 
name applied to the revolutionary Legislatures of several of the colonies. 



I 

WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



163 



caused its repeal, but other taxes were soon afterward imposed. In a 
quarrel between British troops and citizens of Boston the troops fired into 
the crowd, killing several persons (1770). The first bloodshed in resistance 
to unjust taxation occurred at Alamance, North Carolina, 1771. Deter- 
mined not to pay the tax on tea, colonial merchants refused to receive it, 
and at Boston three shiploads were thrown into the sea. England having 
taken steps to punish Boston, all the colonies showed their sympathy. A 
congress of delegates from twelve colonies met in Philadelphia, 1774, 
approved the resistance of Massachusetts, and demanded the repeal of the 
unjust laws. 

259. Thought Questions. — Show how each of the following causes 
influenced the separation between the colonies and the mother country : 
(i) the French wars; (2) overthrow of the French power in America; 
(3) conduct of the king of England ; (4) feeling of British merchants toward 
the colonists ; (5) action of Parliament ; (6) course of royal governors. Is 
there a stamp act in force in the United States to-day? Why is it not 
resisted? Why were the writs of assistance so much more objectionable 
than our modern search-warrants, which authorize a sheriff to enter a 
citizen's house ? What excuse had the British government for taxing the 
colonists ? How might Great Britain have imposed a tax with the consent 
of the Americans ? Why was she not willing to do this ? What English- 
men sympathized with the Americans in their resistance ? How do you 
suppose the owners of the tea regarded the destruction of their property by 
the men of Boston ? What was the justification of the act ? What colo- 
nies took the lead in resistance to the British government ? Name the 
prominent leaders in the different colonies. 

n. BEGINNINGS OF THE WAR. 

(April, 1775 -July, 1776.) 

260. Lexington and Concord. — General Gage, who was 
stationed at Boston with 3,000 British troops, was appointed 
by the king governor of Massachusetts. The colonial As- 
sembly met in defiance of the new governor's proclamation, 
and voted to equip 12,000 men and provide supplies for them. 
General Gage fortified Boston Neck and seized the military 
stores in the neighborhood. Learning that the colonists had 
other stores at Concord, eighteen miles from Boston, he sent 
eight hundred men by night to destroy them, ordering them to 



164 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



stop at Lexington and arrest the patriot leaders, Hancock and 
Adams. His plan, however, was discovered, and Paul Revere, 
"all booted and spurred," was ready to spread the alarm. 

The moment the British 

troops started, he sprang 
into his saddle and dashed 
madly through the neigh- 
boring villages on his 
famous midnight ride, to 
arouse the people. Thus 
warning was given, and 
when the troops reached 
Lexington at sunrise, April 19th, they found about fifty citizens 
drawn up on the village green. " Disperse, ye villains! " shouted 
Major Pitcairn, the British leader. The patriots refused to 




and 
Bunker Hill. 




Lexington Connnnon and Meeting-House. 

obey, .and a skirmish followed in which the Americans were 
compelled to retreat with the loss of eight killed and several 
wounded. By the time the British reached Concord, most of the 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Stores had been concealed. They hastily destroyed all they 
could find, and after another skirmish at Concord Bridge, began 
the return march to Boston. The whole country was now aroused. 
From every village and farm militiamen came pouring in until 
the roadside fairly swarmed with marksmen. An incessant 
and deadly fire was kept up upon the weary British troops. 
The retreat became more and more disorderly, and had not 
reenforcements come out from Boston to meet them, it is 
probable that the whole force would have been killed or 
captured. The total loss of the British was two hundred and 
seventy-three ; of the Americans, ninety-three. The British 
had not gained the object of their expedition, while their 
troops had barely escaped capture. 



261. Effect of the News ; the Mecklenburg Declaration. — 

The news that British regulars had been chased by American 
"peasants" caused great mortification in England. The gov- 
ernment became more fixed in 
its determination to crush the 
spirit of resistance in the col- 
onies. In America the news 
was hailed with joy. Every 
one realized that war had be- 
gun. From Connecticut, New 
Hampshire, and Rhode Island 
troops hurried to join the men 
of Massachusetts, who were 
besieging the British in Boston. 
The important forts Ticonde- 
roga and Crown Point, on Lake 
Champlain, were surprised and 
captured by Vermont companies. The Middle and Southern 
colonies at once took steps to organize and train their militia. 
A party of Georgians seized the royal powder magazine at 




Minute-Man. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



Savannah, and sent five hundred pounds of the captured powder 
to the patriots at Boston. 

The citizens of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, met in 
the month of May and adopted the famous Mecklenburg Dec- 
laration of Independence, renouncing the authority of all crown 
officers in America, declaring that the Continental Congress 
and the Legislatures of the several colonies possessed all the 
powers of government, and asserting that their own county offi- 
cers should act independently of the British Crown. This was 
more than a year before the independence of the united colonies 
was declared. 



262. Bunker Hill. — The British sent fresh troops to Bos- 
ton, until their forces numbered ten thousand men. Sixteen 
thousand New England militia had 
gathered just outside the city. The 
colonists determined to fortify Bunker 
Hill on Charlestown peninsula, in order 
to prevent the march of the British into 
the country. By mistake in the dark- 
ness of the night they fortified Breed's 
Hill, an eminence overlooking Boston. 
When the British awoke and saw the 
breastworks of the Americans on the 
hill within easy cannon shot, they realized 
they must either abandon the city or 
capture the threatening fortifications. 
On the 17th of June the British troops 
crossed over to Charlestown, set fire to 
the village and began the ascent of the 
coveted hill. The colonists watched in 
silence until the advancing column was within fifty yards, then 
opened fire with such deadly effect that the British troops broke 
and fled down the hill. A second attempt to storm the breast- 





i68 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



works had a like disastrous result ; a third assault was success- 
ful. The ammunition of the Americans had given out, and 
they slowly retreated from Charlestown peninsula with a loss 
of about four hundred and fifty. The British lost over one 
thousand killed and wounded. 

263. Second Continental Congress. — Three weeks after the 
battle of Lexington the second Continental Congress met at 
Philadelphia. John Hancock, of Massachusetts, was chosen 
president of the Congi^ess, to succeed Peyton Randolph, of 
•Virginia, who had been called home. While not yet ready for 
independence, Congress determined to make united resistance 
to British oppression. They voted to raise a " continental 
army" of twenty thousand, whose expenses were to be appor- 
tioned to the several colonies. The New England troops 
around Boston were to be adopted as the nucleus of the army. 
One of the most important acts of Congress was the selection 
of a commander-in-chief. George Washington, of Virginia, by 
his skillful management of the colonial troops in Braddock's 
disastrous expedition in the French and Indian war, and by the 
ability he displayed in the subsequent capture of Fort Du- 
quesne, had become the most prominent American soldier. At 
the suggestion of John Adams, he was unanimously chosen to 
command the American forces (June 19, two days after the 
battle of Bunker Hill). 

264. Washington Takes Command. — It was just two weeks 
after the battle of Bunker Hill that Washington reached the 
vicinity of Boston, and took command of the patriot army. The 
men were undisciplined, poorly supplied with guns and ammu- 
nition, enlisted for short periods of time, and dependent for 
support upon their various local authorities. Besides all these 
difficulties, the commander-in-chief had no organized central 
government to rely on. Undaunted, he began at once the task 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



169 




Washington Elnn (under which Washington 
took ConnnnancI). 



of organizing, drilling, and equipping the troops. Eight months 
were spent by Washington in this work and in strengthening 
the fortifications around 
Boston, while thoughtless 
critics were censuring him 
for his apparent inactivity. 

265. Expedition against 
Canada. — An expedition 
against Canada was decided 
upon for the double pur- 
pose of preventing an attack 
from that quarter and of 
inducing the Canadians to 
join their southern neigh- 
bors against the British. 
A thousand men under 
Colonel Benedict Arnold 
left Washington's army, and advanced by way of the Kennebec 
River and the Maine woods. After a journey of frightful 
struggle with starvation, cold, and fatigue, they were joined 
by a force under General Montgomery, who had traveled due 
north from Ticonderoga by the Lake Champlain route. Mon- 
treal was captured by Montgomery, and the combined forces, 
now numbering hardly twelve hundred men, attacked Quebec. 
Montgomery was killed in the assault, and Arnold was desper- 
ately wounded. Part of the attacking force was captured ; the 
rest withdrew. Soon afterward Montreal was re-taken by 
the British, and the remnant of the colonial army was driven 
from Canada. Thus ended in disastrous failure the Canada 
expedition. 

266. Evacuation of Boston. — Dorchester Heights overlook 
Boston from the south, and command the city even more effec- 
tually than does Bunker Hill. Having at last, in the spring of 



170 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



1776, received some cannon heavy enough for his purpose, 
Washington secretly fortified these heights. The British, re- 
membering the lesson of Bunker Hill, refrained from attacking 
the fortifications, and being unable to hold the city longer, sailed 
away to Halifax, Nova Scotia (May 17). By this brilliant 
achievement of Washington, many valuable military stores fell 
into the hands of the American army, and New England was 
freed from British troops for the first time in six years. 

267. The King's Authority Overthrown; Fighting in Vir- 
ginia and North Carolina. — One by one the royal governors 
fled from the country, and the people proceeded to choose their 
successors and organize governments similar to the state gov- 
ernments of to-day. The governors of Georgia and New Jer- 
sey, having failed to resign their ofiices, were arrested and kept 
under guard. Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, seized a 
quantity of powder at Williamsburg and tried to arm the slaves, 
promising freedom to those who would join him. His force 
was beaten by the Virginians near Norfolk, and he sought 
refuge in an English ship. He afterward avenged himself by 
setting fire to Norfolk. In North Carolina a battle occurred at 
Moore's Creek (February 1776), in which one thousand militia- 
men completely routed a force of sixteen hundred Tories, who 
were on their way to the coast to cooperate with an expected 
British fleet. This battle aroused the Carolinians as Lexington 
did the New Englanders. Ten thousand men quickly as- 
sembled to resist the landing of the British. 

268. Attack on the Carolina Coast. — The British were led 
to believe that with the aid of Tory sympathizers in the colony. 
North Carolina could be easily conquered, and thus the South- 
ern colonies could be cut in two. Several vessels under Sir 
Henry Clinton were sent from Boston to the North Carolina 
coast, where they were to cooperate with the fleet under Ad- 
miral Parker, which had sailed from Ireland. Storms delayed 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



171 



Parker's fleet, and the bold spirit of the North Carolina patriots 
deterred Clinton from attempting a landing (§ 267). The 
combined British fleet then sailed south with the intention of 
taking Charleston, the largest city in the South. The Conti- 
nental Congress sent General Charles Lee with a force of Vir- 
ginians and North Carolinians to relieve the town. 

269. Battle of Fort Moultrie. — On an island just outside 
Charleston harbor. Colonel Moultrie had thrown up a fortifica- 
tion of palmetto logs (afterward called Fort Moultrie). The 
British fleet opened 
a heavy fire upon 
this fort (June 28). 
Meanwhile Clinton 
landed some troops 
on the east end of 
the island, so as to 
attack the fort on 
land and sea at the 
same time. The 
fire from the British 
guns was incessant, 
but their balls either 
flew above the low 
fortifications or 
sank harmlessly 
into its spongy pal- 
metto wafls. The 
Americans fired less 
frequently, but their well-aimed shots proved so destructive to 
the British forces that they withdrew from the attack with a loss 
of life six times as great as that of their opponents.^ After 

1 In the midst of the battle, the flag which floated over the smoking guns of the 
fort suddenly disappeared from view. A British shot had broken the flagstaff, and 
it fell outside the walls. While the balls were flying thickest a brave young officer, 




Jasper replacing the Flag at Fort Moultrie. 



1/2 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



spending three weeks repairing his damaged ships, Parker 
sailed away to New York. 

270. Independence Declared. — In the early spring of 
1776, soon after the battle of Moore's Creek, North Carolina 
authorized her delegates in Congress to concur with delegates 
from other colonies in declaring independence. In May, Massa- 
chusetts and Virginia separately renounced their dependence 
on Great Britain. At the same time Virginia went a step fur- 
ther and instructed her delegates to propose to Congress " to 
declare the United Colonies free and independent States." In 



from all the colonies. By that time every colony except New 
York had approved the step proposed, and oil July 4 Congress 
unanimously adopted a formal Declaration of Independence. 
The delegates from New York refrained from voting; but five 
days later New York formally ratified the Declaration, and her 
delegates then signed it. The news of the adoption of the 
Declaration, which was received at the same time as that of 
the brilliant success at Fort Moultrie, created the wildest joy 




The Old State House, Philadelphia, in which 
the Declaration of Independence was 
adopted and the Constitution of 
the United States framed. 



obedience to these instruc- 
tions, on the 8th of June 
Richard Henry Lee, of Vir- 
ginia, moved "that these 
United Colonies are, and of 
right ought to be, free and 
independent States." This 
motion was seconded by John 
Adams, of Massachusetts. 
After warm discussion the 
question was postponed until 
July I, in order that express in- 
structions might be obtained 



Sergeant Jasper, sprang over the defenses, in plain view of the enemy, seized'the 
flag, and planted it again on the walls of the fort. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



throughout the country. Everywhere there were torch-light 
processions, ringing of bells, firing of guns, and other signs of 
delight and approval. 

271. The Declaration. — The Declaration was written by 
Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, chairman of a committee of 
Congress, of which John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were 
members. It contains among other statements the following : 

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one 
people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with 
another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and 
equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, 
a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should 
declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident : — That all men are created 
equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable 
rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 
That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriv- 
ing their just powers from the consent of the governed ; that, whenever 
any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right 
of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government. 
. . . The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated 
injuries and usurpations. . . . To prove this, let facts be submitted to a 
candid world. 

He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary 
for the public good. . . . 

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing, with 
manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people. . . . 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction [Parliament] 
foreign to our constitutions, and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving his 
assent to their acts of pretended legislation : 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us ; ... 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world ; 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent ; 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury; . . . 
For taking away our charters ; . . . 

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested 
with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. . . . 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and 
destroyed the lives of our people. . . . 



174 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Our British brethren, . . . too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and 
consanguinity. We must, therefore, . . . hold them, as we hold the rest 
of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends. 

We, therefore, . . . do, in the name and by the authority of the good 
people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united 
Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states ; that 
they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all 
political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and 
ought to be, totally dissolved. . . . And, for the support of this declaration, 
with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually 
pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. 

272. The New Government. — At the same time that the 
committee was appointed to draw up the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, another committee was named to prepare a plan of 
government. Twelve days after the adoption of the Declara- 
tion, this second committee submitted to Congress the first 
Constitution of the United States, entitled, " Articles of Con- 
federation and Perpetual Union between the States." It was 
adopted by Congress and then submitted to the several states 
for their ratification. In the year 1779 all the states had 
adopted the articles save Maryland, and Congress proceeded 
to exercise the powers thereby conferred. (See § 328.) 

273. Summary of Beginnings of the War. — The war began in Massa- 
chusetts with the fight at Lexington (April 19, 1775), followed a month 
later by that of Bunker Hill, both of which had the effect of victories for 
the Americans. The second Continental Congress determined upon united 
resistance, and appointed Washington commander-in-chief of the Conti- 
nental army. In the spring of 1776 Washington compelled the British to 
evacuate Boston. An expedition against Canada ended in failure. A 
party of militia gained a victory at Moore's Creek, North Carolina, over a 
large force of Tories. A British attack on Fort Moultrie, South Caro- 
lina, was defeated. On July 4, 1776, Congress declared the independence 
of the colonies, and steps were taken to form a new government. 

274. Thought Questions. — How did it happen that the war began in 
Massachusetts rather than in some other colony ? Why did not the battle 
of Alamance have such an immediate and widespread effect as the battle 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



of Lexington ? Give instances of resistance to British tyranny in North 
CaroHna ; in Massachusetts ; in Virginia ; in Georgia ; in New Jersey. 
Aside from Washington's preeminent fitness for the position of commander- 
in-chief, why was the selection of a Virginian or a Southerner desirable ? 
What were the causes of the failure of the Canada expedition ? How do 
you account for the refusal of the Canadians to join the colonies in resist- 
ance to Great Britain ? If the British had succeeded at Fort Moultrie, 
what change in the theatre of war would probably have occurred? Which 
was the greater rebel, Washington or Bacon ? What punishment were the 
American leaders liable to receive in case of the failure of their cause ? 
What are "unalienable" rights? Name those mentioned in the Declara- 
tion of Independence. When, according to the Declaration, may a people 
alter or abolish their form of government? Which "injuries and usurpa- 
tions " enumerated in the Declaration were most galling to the colonists ? 
What was the full title of the first constitution of the United States ? 
What does this title suggest to have been the leading idea of the framers 
of the Articles ? What previous confederation had existed among the 
colonies ? 

m. STRUGGLE FOR THE MIDDLE STATES. 

(July 1776-July 1778.) 

275. The Plan of the British. — Great Britain now began 
active operations for the subjugation of her rebellious colonies. 
A powerful fleet under Admiral Howe was sent from England 
with an army of trained soldiers, including a strong force of 
hired German troops.^ The plan of the British was to attack 
our coast-line in the center, and by forcibly occupying one or 
more of the Middle States to cut off New England from the 
South. Accordingly, for the next two years (July, 1776, to 
July, 1778) we shall find the war to consist mainly of a great 
struggle for the possession of the Hudson and Delaware rivers. 
The military events may be grouped under three heads : (i) 
Campaigns around New York City ; (2) Campaigns in northern 
and central New York ; (3) Campaigns around Philadelphia. 

1 These German troops were Hessians, from the district of Hesse-Cassel. The 
employment of foreign hirelings to subdue British-born subjects became a leading 
cause of American hatred for the mother-country. 



76 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



/. CAMPAIGNS AROUND NEW YORK CITY. 




276. Battle of Long Island. — In accordance with the plan 
just mentioned, New York was the first point of attack by the 
British. Washington suspecting their inten- 
tion hastened from Boston to oppose them. 
In order to defend the city of New York 
and its approaches, he was compelled to 
scatter his forces over a line of twenty miles. 
About half of his army, under General Putnam, 
was stationed on Long Island at Brooklyn 
Heights, commanding the city. Howe's army soon arrived 
from Halifax, and was reinforced by the fleets of Admiral 
Howe (brother of the General) fresh from England, and of 
Admiral Parker, who had come from the defeat at Fort Moul- 
trie. General Howe determined to capture Putnam's division, 

and with that purpose landed 
twenty thousand soldiers on the 
southwest shore of Long Island. 
On the 27th of August a battle 
took place, in which the Ameri- 
can advance-guard was defeated 
with the loss of more than one 
thousand prisoners, besides 
many killed and wounded. Be- 
fore storming Putnam's main 
force on Brooklyn Heights, 
Howe waited for his fleet to 
come up. Meanwhile Wash- 
ington crossed over to Long 
Island from New York, and 
having collected every available 
boat and fishing craft, safely conducted the remnant of Putnam's 
troops across to New York by night under cover of a heavy fog. 




General Howe. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



177 



277. British occupy New York; Washington's Retreat 
Northward. — With the British fleet in possession of the har- 
bor, and their troops occupying Brooklyn heights, it was im- 
possible for the American army to hold New York. Washing- 
ton withdrew from the city to the northern end of Manhattan 
Island, and was soon compelled by Howe's superior force to 
cross over to the mainland east of the Hudson. The whole of 
Manhattan Island thus fell into the hands of the British, with 
the exception of Fort Washington, which, with Fort Lee on the 
west bank of the Hudson, guarded the river. There was an 
indecisive engagement at White Plains between Howe's forces 
and the retreating Americans. Washington then retired to 
North Castle, while Howe suddenly turned and hurried back 
toward New York. He had just learned from an American 
deserter of the position and strength of the defenses at Fort 
Washington, and had decided to attack that fortification. Its 
garrison made a gallant defense, but was compelled to surrender. 
Three thousand prisoners, besides a large quantity of stores, 
fell into the hands of the British.^ To the Americans, this was 
one of the heaviest losses of the war. 

278. Retreat across New Jersey. — Washington, fearing 
that Howe meditated an advance on Philadelphia, left half of 
his army under General Charles Lee at North Castle, while he 
crossed the Hudson into New Jersey with the remainder to 
watch Howe's movements. On the approach of the British 
General Cornwallis, Fort Lee was evacuated, and Washington 
was compelled to retreat. Meanwhile he sent repeated orders 
to General Lee to bring over his half of the army, that he 
might be able to oppose the enemy. But Lee was jealous of 

^ Insomuch as the width of the Hudson at this point was so great that Forts 
Washington and Lee were unable to prevent British ships from passing up the river, 
Washington had directed the former fort to be evacuated. But in the absence of posi- 
tive orders, and in deference to a message from Congress not to abandon the fort, the 
officers in command had failed to carry out Washington's plan. 



1/8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Washington. He pretended to misunderstand, and sent vari- 
ous excuses. Washington, with his little force of hardly three 
thousand men, unable to risk a battle, continued to retreat 
across New Jersey, his men discouraged, poorly clad, and suffer- 




ing from the intense cold. Reaching the Delaware he crossed 
the river, taking with him every boat that could be found for 



^ When Lee at last started toward Washington he was surprised and captured by 
a small British force while spending the night at a country-house some distance from 
his army. (This Lee was not connected with the Lees of Virginia.) 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



T79 



miles in either direction. When the British arrived they found 
it impossible to cross. They then went into winter quarters, 
separating their army into several divisions, the main body be- 
ing stationed at Princeton, and a force of fifteen hundred- 
Hessians at Trenton. 

279. Battle of Trenton. — Everything now looked gloomy 
for the Americans. Washington's men were so much discour- 
aged that when their time expired many refused to reenlist, and 
his little army was rapidly decreasing in numbers. In response 
to Howe's proclamation offering pardon and protection to all 
who would swear allegiance to the British crown, hundreds of 
wealthy persons were abandoning the American cause. Gen- 
eral Cornwallis, thinking the war was over, prepared to sail for 
England. Washington saw that unless some success was won 
to revive the drooping spirits of his countrymen, the cause of 
liberty would be lost. He formed the daring plan of crossing 
the Delaware, now dangerous with floating ice, and attacking 
the British force at Trenton. On Christmas night he safely 
conducted his men across the stream, and advancing through 
snow and sleet, took the enemy completely by surprise. With 
the loss of only four men (two killed and two frozen to death) 
Washington captured the entire force of over one thousand 
Hessian soldiers, and crossed back into Pennsylvania with his 
prisoners and booty. 

280. Battle of Princeton. — Four days later Washington 
again crossed the Delaware and occupied Trenton. Mean- 
while Cornwallis hastily abandoned his purpose of embarking 
for England, and led part of his troops from Princeton to at- 
tack the American forces at Trenton. After some skirmishing 
night came on, and Cornwallis decided to wait till next day for 
reenforcements. Washington's position was now most critical. 
Behind him was the river full of floating ice. If the British 
should force him from his entrenchments there was no way of 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



escape, and a surrender seemed inevitable. Cornwallis re- 
marked that he had " run down the old fox at last." But 
again the genius of the American commander turned defeat 
into victory. Ordering a few of his soldiers to go within hear- 
ing distance of his enemy and to pretend to throw up entrench- 
ments, others to keep his camp-fires burning, Washington 
secretly withdrew his army from its perilous position, stole 
around Cornwallis, and at sunrise attacked and defeated the 
British force at Princeton (January 3d), capturing nearly five 
hundred prisoners. The sound of cannon behind him was the 
first hint Cornwallis had that his enemy had escaped. He 
hastened to the rescue of his men, but the "old fox" had out- 
generaled him. Washington had withdrawn to Morristown 
Heights, where the British made no attempt to follow. A 
general retreat of the British to the vicinity of New York 
ensued. 

2. CAMPAIGNS IN NORTHERN NEW YORK. 

281. Plan of the British. — While Howe was taking pos- 
session of New York City, a British force from Canada had 
made an unsuccessful expedi- 
tion against the northern part 
of the state. Arnold, in com- 
mand of a small American fleet 
on Lake Champlain, made an 
heroic resistance, but was 
forced to abandon his ships and 
retire within the defenses of 
Ticonderoga. The British 
general feared to attack the 
fort, and withdrew his army to 
Canada. The next year (1777) 
a more carefully prepared plan 
w^as adopted. Three separate 
armies were to penetrate the state from different directions. One 




WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



I8l 



army under General Burgoyne was to descend from the north, 
by way of Lake Champlain and the Hudson, as far as Albany. 
A second force, much smaller than the first, was to go up the 
St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario, land at Oswego, and advancing 
from the west, capture Fort Stanwix in central New York, 
then join Burgoyne at Albany. At the same time General 
Howe's army at New York was to ascend the Hudson, and 
unite with the two other forces. Thus would the conquest of 
New York be complete. 

282. Burgoyne's Advance. — Burgoyne, with eight thou- 
sand men splendidly armed and equipped, sailed up the Sorrel 
River and Lake Champlain, unopposed until he reached 
Ticonderoga. After a brief resistance, the garrison abandoned 
this stronghold, and Burgoyne advanced to the head of Lake 
George. General Schuyler, commanding the American forces, 
slowly retreated to Bemis Heights on the Hudson, about thirty 
miles above Albany. Burgoyne's advance was now attended 
with the greatest difhculty. His line of march lay through a 
swampy wilderness through which his enemies had completely 
obstructed every road by cutting down trees across his path 
and destroying bridges. He could procure no food from the 
surrounding country, and found great trouble in getting sup- 
plies from Canada. 

I 283. Bennington and Fort Stanwix. — Learning that the 
Americans had stores of provisions at Bennington, Vermont, 
twenty miles distant, Burgoyne sent one thousand men to 
I capture them. These troops were attacked by General Stark 
with an army of hastily collected New England militia, and 
I almost the entire British force was killed or captured. Mean- 
jwhile the British general, St. Leger, with an army of British 
ijand Indians, had advanced from Lake Ontario to support 
i'Burgoyne, and was now besieging Fort Stanwix. Schuyler 
5ent Arnold to relieve the fort. By a stratagem Arnold sue- 



l82 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



I 



ceeded in creating a panic in St. Leger's troops. They ^ 

abandoned the siege and fled to the west, hopelessly scattered. I 

To add to Burgoyne's difficulties, he did not receive the I 

expected support of Howe's army at New York, Howe having I 

failed to get orders to that effect until too late. The news of I 

the successes at Bennington and Fort Stanwix, and the wrath f 
occasioned by the atrocities of the Indian allies of the British 

brought hundreds of recruits to the American army and enabled . 

Schuyler to make preparations for a battle. , 

284. Battle of Saratoga. — At this critical moment news ' 
came that Congress had removed Schuyler from command and ^ 
appointed Gates in his stead.-^ Schuyler bore the injustice 
nobly and lent every assistance to his successor. On Septem- ^ 
ber 19, near Saratoga, a desperate but indecisive battle was ^ 
fought. Both armies then remained three weeks in their in- ' 
trenchments, Burgoyne's position growing daily more perilous ^ 
on account of his scant supplies and the increasing numbers \ 
of his opponents. Then another battle was fought on the ^ 
same ground (October 7). Gates had quarreled with Arnold 
and stripped him of his command. But nevertheless Arnold 
without orders rushed into the thickest of the fight, placed 
himself at the head of his old command, who received him with ^ 
cheers, and won the victory while Gates stayed in his tent. ^' 

St 

285. Surrender of Burgoyne. — Burgoyne, with his army D 
beaten and dispirited, cut off from supplies, and surrounded by I 
a force three times as large as his own, decided to surrender. 3t 
On the 17th of October the papers were signed, and the entire 
British army of over six thousand men laid down their arms. 

It was agreed that a passage to Great Britain should be granted 
to the troops on condition of their not serving again in the 

I 

^ Not long before this, Congress had grossly offended Arnold by promoting sub- i jj^ 
ordinate officers over him, on the ground that his state, Connecticut, already had 
two generals. The unjust treatment of Schuyler was also due to state prejudices. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



183 



war. (Congress failed to carry out this agreement. The 
captured men remained in this country as prisoners of war 
until the close of the struggle.) 

286. Results of the Surrender. — After this great victory 
the American forces occupied Ticonderoga and all the forts on 
the northern frontier. The British plan to cut the United 
States in two by seizing the Hudson valley had failed. The 
news of the capture of a whole British army awakened the 
wildest joy from Maine to Georgia, completely counteracting 
the depressing effects of Brandy- 
wine and Germantown (§§ 288 and 
289). Best of all, the victory 
hastened the decision of the French 
government to acknowledge the 
independence of the United States 
and to form an alliance with them. 
From the beginning of the struggle 
the sympathies of France had been 
with the Americans and against 
her old enemy, England. Her 
brave Lafayette had voluntarily 
left country and friends to fight for American liberty. Ship- 
loads of supplies and large sums of money had been secretly 
sent over. The American commissioners in Paris, Franklin, 
Deane, and Arthur Lee, had been urging an alliance. In 
February, 1778, a treaty of alliance was signed, and a French 
fleet was sent over to aid the Americans. 

J. CAMPAIGNS AROUND PHILADELPHIA. 

287. Plan of the British. — Howe, instead of ascending 
;he Hudson to cooperate with Burgoyne, as every one expected 

> lim to do, decided to advance upon Philadelphia, the "rebel 
4 capital." His first intention was to lead his army from New 




HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



York by land, but the skillful manoeuvering of Washington ' 
caused him to abandon this attempt. He then embarked his 
troops, coasted south, entered Chesapeake Bay, and sailed up | 
to its head, where he landed his army for their march to Phila- 
delphia. As soon as Washington was certain of his enemy's 
movements, he hastened to oppose him, while Schuyler and 
Gates were endeavoring to check Burgoyne in northern New 
York. 

288. Battle of the Brandywine. — To oppose the British 
advance on Philadelphia, Washington stationed his army at 

Chad's Ford on Brandywine 
Creek, directly in their line of 
march. Howe divided his forces 
and while one division remained ' 
at Chad's Ford, Cornwallis led i 
another across the stream sev- I 
eral miles above, and fell upon 
Washington's flank. Although 
not routed, the Americans were 
driven from the field with heavy 
loss (September 11, 1777, eight 
days before the first battle of 
Saratoga). This was the first 
American battle in which the young French Marquis Lafayette 
participated. Both he and the Polish Count Pulaski showed 
conspicuous gallantry in the fight. 

289. Philadelphia taken; Battle of Germantown The 

British army then took possession of Philadelphia, marching 
proudly into the city with bands playing and colors flying. 
Congress hastily adjourned to Lancaster, then to York, Penn- 
sylvania. The main body of Howe's troops was stationed at 
Germantown, five miles from Philadelphia. Here on the 4th 
of October (three days before the second battle of Saratoga) 




HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Washington attacked them. His plans were admirable, and 
doubtless would have been successful, had not a dense fog 
prevented their being carried out promptly. Again his troops 
were compelled to withdraw from the field. Soon afterward 
the forts guarding the mouth of the Delaware were captured 
by the British. This gave them possession of the river and 
enabled them to bring their supplies directly to Philadelphia 
by water. 

290. A Winter of Suffering and Gloom. — The British now 
went into winter quarters at Philadelphia, while Washington 
retired to Valley Forge, about twenty-five miles west of the 
city. This winter of 1777-78 was the gloomiest period of the 
war. Washington's men had to build the rude log huts which 
were to protect them from the cold. Their food was flour 
mixed with water, which they baked at the open fires. Many 
of the men were without shirts, and hundreds were barefooted. 
Blankets were so scarce that the soldiers often had to sit by 
the fire all night to keep from freezing. Sleeping on the cold 
ground produced sickness, which spread rapidly among the ; 
troops. In the midst of all this suffering a few of Washing- j 
ton's jealous subordinate officers were plotting for his over- i 
throw. His defeats at Brandywine and Germantown were ; 
contrasted with the success of Schuyler and Gates against j 
Burgoyne. A conspiracy known as the Conway Cabal, from f 
its leader. General Conway, endeavored to weaken Washing- j 
ton's influence with Congress and the country, that he might ^ 
be displaced from command, and Gates appointed in his stead. ( 
The conspirators made some headway in Congress, but their \. 
wretched plot was at last made public, and only served to j, 
strengthen Washington in the esteem of his countrymen, 
Congress at this time was woefully inefficient. Many of its ^ 
members feared a standing army, and refused to follow Wash- 
ington's advice for the relief of the troops. The ablest mem- ^ 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



187 



bers of the first and second Congresses had accepted positions 
either in the army or in their state governments. " The Con- 
tinental Congress and the currency,'' wrote Gouverneur Morris 
in 1778, "have greatly depreciated." 

291. British Retire from Philadelphia to New York. — 

Although Howe had driven Washington's army from two battle- 
fields, and had occupied Philadelphia, yet he had gained no 
decisive victory, in spite of the fact that his army outnumbered 
his opponent's two to one. The British government, dissatisfied 
with the results of his campaign, recalled General Howe, and 
appointed Sir Henry Clinton his successor. The expected 
arrival of the French fleet now made it necessary for the Brit- 
ish to concentrate their forces at New York. Accordingly, 
Philadelphia was evacuated, and General Clinton started his 
army across New Jersey (June 18, 1778). 

292. Battle of Monmouth. — Washington hastened from 
Valley Forge in pursuit. The command of the American ad- 
vance fell to General Charles Lee,-^ but being opposed to an 
attack he declined to act, and Washington appointed Lafayette 
in his stead. Lee afterward changed his mind, and demanded 
his place. Lafayette, to save embarrassment to Washington, 
at once yielded. The British army was overtaken near Mon- 
mouth, and an engagement began. Lee, apparently having no 
faith in the ability of his troops to stand against the British 
regulars, ordered them to retire, greatly to the disgust of his 
men. As soon as word was carried to Washington, he dashed 
to the front at full speed, meeting Lee with his men in full re- 
treat. Overwhelmed with indignation at Lee's conduct, he 
rebuked that general in severest terms, and ordered him to the 
rear. Then rallying the troops, he held his ground till night 
ended the conflict. At midnight Clinton stole away, leaving 

1 Lee had been exchanged for the British general, Prescott, whom a few Ameri- 
cans had surprised and captured. 



i88 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



his dead unburied. Neither side had been defeated, yet in 
effect the battle was a victory for the Americans. The next 
day Lee wrote an insolent note to Washington, demanding an 
apology for his language on the battlefield. He was placed 
under arrest and tried for disobedience to orders, misbehavior 
on the field, and disrespect to the commander-in-chief. Con- 
victed on all three charges, he was suspended from his com- 
mand for one year. He never returned to the army, but spent 
the rest of his life as a hermit on his estate. 

293. Indian Massacres. — In the northeastern part of Penn- 
sylvania, where the Susquehanna river breaks through the moun- 
tains, is the beautiful valley of Wyoming. In the summer of 
1778 a party of British and Indians swept down upon this 
peaceful region. The men were nearly all away in the Conti- 
nental armies. A small force hastily collected to oppose the 
invaders was beaten. Scenes of horrible cruelty followed. 
The whole valley was laid waste, helpless women and children 
were burned at the stake, or put to death with sickening tor- 
tures. Cherry Valley, in central New York, was attacked a few 
months later, and its inhabitants were treated in the same hor- 
rible manner. In the summer of the next year (1779), Wash- 
ington sent an army under General Sullivan into western New 
York to break up the strongholds of the Indians and Tories in 
that region. Sullivan defeated the enemy's force, and pro- 
ceeded to burn their villages, destroy their growing crops, and 
cut down their fruit trees. The Indians never recovered from 
this crushing blow. 

294. The War Transferred to the South. — After the battle 
of Monmouth Clinton retired to New York, while Washington 
remained in striking distance of the city to watch every move- 
ment of his enemy. Save for an unsuccessful attack upon the 
British garrison at Newport, Rhode Island, by a land force 
under General Sullivan, aided by a French fleet (in the sum- 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



mer of 1778), there was no other miUtary movement of any 
consequence in the states north of Virginia during the rest of 
the war. The cherished plan of the British to cut the United 
States in two by seizing the middle division had failed. Hence- 
forth they directed their efforts to conquering the Southern 
states. 

295. Summary of War in the Middle States. — The plan ot the Brit- 
ish was to cut the United States in two by taking possession of the Hud- 
son or Delaware rivers. They first attempted to seize the Hudson. Gen- 
eral Howe won the battle of Long Island, then took New York City, and 
drove Washington up to North Castle. Fort Washington on the Hudson 
was surrendered to the British. Washington, having crossed into New 
Jersey, was compelled to retreat across that state, escaping over the Dela- 
ware. On Christmas night he won a brilliant victory at Trenton, and an- 
other ten days later at Princeton. The British general, Burgoyne, sup- 
ported by St. Leger, made an attempt to seize the Hudson River from the 
north. This campaign ended in the surrender of Burgoyne to Gates at 
Saratoga, October 17, 1777. France then formed an alliance with the 
United States, and sent over ships and men to our aid. Meanwhile Gen- 
eral Howe determined to seize Philadelphia and the Delaware River. Ad- 
vancing by way of Chesapeake Bay, he gained the battles of Brandy wine and 
Germantown, and occupied Philadelphia. Washington's army spent a ter- 
rible winter at Valley Forge. The expected arrival of the French fleet 
caused the British to retire to New York. Washington followed them and 
fought an indecisive battle at Monmouth. The war was then transferred 
to the South. 

296. Thought Questions. — Why was it so difficult for Washington to 
defend New York City? Why was control of the Hudson so important.^ 
On what previous occasions did New York City surrender to a foreign 
fleet ? In the campaigns around New York City, mention two instances 
in which Washington's orders were not obeyed. What was the result in 
each case ? What results might have followed if Washington had 
attempted to hold New York City? What evidence of good generalship 
did Washington show in the escape from Long Island and the subsequent 
retreat ? in his operations during the two weeks beginning Christmas day, 
1776? Mention the battles in which General Arnold has taken part up to 
this point in the war. What were the causes of the failure of the British 
attempt to take the Hudson River from the north? Who deserves most 



igo 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



credit for the capture of Burgoyne? Why was France more willing to aid 
us than was Holland or Spain ? In which of the campaigns in the Middle 
states was the greatest military skill displayed by American commanders ? 
Which campaign was most decisive in its results ? Why did the British 
consider control of the Delaware River important ? Were the money and 
supplies of the French, or their land troops, or their fleet most needed by 
the Americans ? How was Washington hampered by Congress ? by his 
subordinate officers ? 

• 

IV THE WAR BEYOim THE FRONTIERS. 

(1778-79-) 
JVEST OF THE ALLEGHANIES. 

297. Clarke's Conquest of the Illinois Country. — The 

region between the Ohio River and the Great Lakes was 
claimed by Virginia under her charter of 1609, but a recent 
act of Parliament had 
declared it part of 
the British Province 
of Quebec, In 
1778, George Rogers 
Clarke, member of 
the Virginia Legisla- 
ture from the " Coun- 
ty of Kentucky, " 
formed the bold plan 
of seizing the British 
forts between the 
Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers. Governor 
Patrick Henry and the Legislature of Virginia approved the 
plan, and granted Clarke a small equipment of troops and 
supplies. Under a leader of less enthusiasm and strength of 
will than this " Hannibal of the West," the hazardous enter- 
prise would have been a failure. But Clarke's little band, 




Clarke's Expedition. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. I9I 

sometimes marching for days without food, crossed trackless 
prairies, waded through miles of overflowed river-bottoms, over- 
awed hostile Indians, and finally reaching the British posts in 
Illinois and Indiana, compelled them to surrender. The neigh- 
boring French settlers were made to swear allegiance to Vir- 
ginia. This territory was at once constituted a county of 
Virginia, and was named the County of Illinois. The fact that 
it had been conquered by Clarke, and was held by American 
troops at the close of the war was the basis of the claim to its 
ownership made by the United States and finally admitted by 
Great Britain in the treaty of peace. But for the genius of 
George Rogers Clarke, the Ohio River, instead of the Great 
Lakes, would probably have been fixed as the southern bound- 
ary of British America. (§ 329.) 

298. The Indians of the Southwest. — Constant efforts 
were made by British agents to arouse the Indians on the 
western frontiers of the Southern states. During the early 
years of the Revolution, there were frequent conflicts between 
the savages and the militia of Virginia, the Carolinas, and 
Georgia. In the latter part of the war, the Indians were kept 
quiet chiefly through the efforts of General Joseph Martin, 
Indian agent for Virginia, who made his home among them 
and wielded a great influence over them. It was this peaceful 
condition of the savages that made the victory at King's 
Mountain possible, by enabling the frontiersmen who won that 
battle to leave their homes for a time unprotected.-^ 

2. ON THE OCEAN. 

299. Naval Forces of the United States. — At the begin- 
ning of the war Congress organized a little navy of five ships 
with Esek Hopkins, of Rhode Island, commander-in-chief. 

1 In 1779, Spanish troops under Governor Galvez, of New Orleans, captured the 
British forts on the lower Mississippi. Within the next two years, they also took 
Mobile and Pensacola. 



192 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

Before the war was over, almost every one of these vessels 
had been captured, or burned to avoid capture. Several 
states maintained independent naval 
forces of their own. But the com- 
bined navies of Congress and the 
separate states were unable to cope 
with the power of Great Britain on 
the sea. Until the very close of the 
war, little aid was rendered by the 
French fleet. Our most effective 
service on the ocean was performed 
by the numerous privateers commis- 
sioned by Congress. These inflicted 
untold damage on British commerce. 

300. Paul Jones's Victory. — The most noteworthy naval 
battle of the war was fought on the North Sea, near the coast 
of England, oif Flamborough 
Head. Here on September 23, 
1779, a brilliant victory was 
gained by an American squad- 
ron under Captain John Paul 
Jones. Jones was a young 
Scotchman who had emigrated 
to New England, and had been 
appointed by Congress, captain 
in the United States navy. 
While cruising in the North 
Sea with a little fleet of French 
and American ships, Jones at- 

, , Paul Jones. 

tacked two British men-of-war 

that were escorting a number of merchant vessels. Jones's 
own ship, the Bon Homme Richard (so named from the 
" Good Man Richard " of Franklin's Almanac) attacked the 





WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



enemy's Serapis. The two ships were lashed together and 
fought until both took fire, and Jones's vessel was on the 
point of sinking. At last th^ Serapis surrendered, and Jones 
had barely transferred his men to the conquered ship when 
his own vessel sank. The other English ship was also cap- 
tured. 

301. Summary. — Under the authority of the State of Virginia, 
George Rogers Clarke led a party of militia against the British posts in 
the Illinois country, then held by Great Britain as part of her Province of 
Quebec. Clarke's expedition was successful, and the territory north-west 
of the Ohio was organized as a county of Virginia. Its occupation by 
Virginian troops had an important bearing on the question of boundary as 
agreed upon subsequently in the treaty of peace. 

The Indians on the western frontiers were a source of constant danger. 
The expedition of General Sullivan in the North (§ 293), and the efforts 
of militia leaders together with skillful diplomacy of our Indian agents in 
the South served to hold them in check. In 1779 Captain Paul Jones 
gained a brilliant naval victory off the coast of England. 

302. Thought Questions. — 'What independent part did Virginia play in 
the Revolutionary struggle } What results followed from it } How do 
you account for French settlements in the Illinois country? Why were 
the Indians so much less important in the Revolution than in the French 
wars ? Why were so few victories on the ocean won by the United States 

V. WAR IN THE SOUTH. 

(1778-1781.) 

303. Plan of the British. — The successful defense of Fort 
Moultrie in the early part of the war (§ 269) had checked 
the first attempt of the British to subdue the Southern colonies. 
Defeated now in the New England and Middle states, they 
determined to renew their efforts for the subjugation of the 
South. Their plan was first to overcome Georgia and South 
Carolina, then from these states to work their way northward. 
Accordingly Clinton ordered part of his army under command 
of Colonel Campbell to sail from New York. To oppose this 



194 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



movement Congress placed General Lincoln in command of 
the Southern department. 

/. IN GEORGIA AND THE CAROLINAS. 

304. Fall of Savannah and Augusta. — Savannah, Geor- 
gia, was the first point of attack. Before Lincoln could arrive,. 

the small force of defenders had been 
beaten, and the town had fallen into 
the hands of the British (December, 
1778). The invaders then ascended 
the Savannah River and captured 
Augusta. General Prevost, com- 
manding the troops in the British 
territory of Florida, now took com- 
mand of the united forces of the 

General Lincoln. enemy. 

305. Georgia Overrun by the British. — The militia of 
South Carolina and Georgia rallied under command of Colonels 
Pickens and Clarke, and defeated a detachment of the British 
at Kettle Creek, Georgia. Soon afterward, however, a division 
of Lincoln's army under General Ashe was surprised and 
beaten at Briar Creek. Georgia seemed now (spring of 1779) 
completely in the power of the British. The royal governor 
was reinstated, and the old colonial government restored. 

306. Events in the North. — While these events were going 
on in the South, General Clinton at New York was sending out 
small marauding parties to various points on the Atlantic coast. 
In Connecticut, New Jersey, and Virginia, coast towns were 
plundered and burned, citizens murdered, and ladies insulted. 
At the same time, Clinton ascended the Hudson and captured 
the fort guarding the river at Stony Point. Washington sent 
General Wayne (called "Mad Anthony Wayne " from his desper- 




WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



ate bravery) to recapture the place. Wayne determined upon 
a midnight assault. That the barking of curs might not betray 
him, he ordered every dog in the vicinity killed. That no shot 
from his own troops might reveal his plan he made his men 
unload their guns, and advance with fixed bayonets. Moving 
in perfect silence, his men reached the British outposts before 
they were discovered. After a brief conflict the garrison sur- 
rendered (July 16, 1779). Three days after this brilliant ex- 
ploit the captors destroyed the works and evacuated the fort, 
Washington finding that he could not spare enough men from 
his army to defend it. 

307. Effort to Recapture Savannah. — In the autumn of 
this year the French fleet, after its unsuccessful attack upon 
Newport, Rhode Island (§ 294), appeared before Savannah. 
An assault upon the British defenses was made by the com- 
bined forces of the French under D'Estaing and the Americans 
under Lincoln (October, 1779). The attack was a disastrous fail- 
ure. Among those killed in the assault were Count Pulaski, a 
brave Polish officer, and Sergeant Jasper, the hero of Fort 
Moultrie. Lincoln's army withdrew into South Carolina, and 
the fleet sailed away to France. 

308. British Capture Charleston. — Encouraged by the 
success of his troops in Georgia, Clinton determined to take 
charge of the Southern army himself, and to begin the con- 
quest of South Carolina by an attack upon Charleston, the 
largest city in the South. Leaving a sufficient force in New 
York to hold Washington at bay, he landed thirty miles below 
Charleston, and led his army overland toward the city, while 
his fleet approached the harbor, Washington sent all his Vir- 
ginia and North Carolina troops to the aid of Lincoln, but still 
i that general's forces were wholly inadequate for the defense of 
' Charleston. The enemy's troops gradually surrounded him on 
I the land side, while their fleet in the midst of a furious thunder- 



196 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Storm sailed by Fort Moultrie, which guarded the entrance to 
the harbor, and joined in the attack. On May 12, 1780, 
Charleston was surrendered, and Lincoln with his whole army 
of about two thousand men became prisoners of war. 

309. South Carolina Overrun by the British. — The sur- 
render of Lincoln's army together with the capture of Charles- 
ton was a severe blow to the patriot cause, and a correspond- 
ing encouragement to the British. Clinton sent detachments 
into the interior of the state, and issued a circular, offering 

pardon to all who would return to British 
allegiance, and calling upon all the people 
to aid in reestablishing the royal govern- 
ment under penalty of being treated as 
rebels and traitors. Then, thinking little 
else remained to be done, Clinton sailed 
away to New York, leaving Cornwallis to 
complete the conquest of the South. Al- 
though with no organized army of defense, 
the spirits of the southern patriots were 
not broken. Small bands of militia, under 
such leaders as Marion (the " Swamp 
Fox"), Sumter (the "Game Cock"), 
Pickens, and Clarke, carried on a vigorous warfare of sudden 
surprises and desperate hand-to-hand combats, keeping up the 
courage of their countrymen, until the British were finally 
expelled from the state. "But for Marion and Sumter," wrote 
the British general, "South Carolina would be at peace." 

310. Battle of Camden. — Against the advice of Washing- 
ton, Congress appointed General Gates to the command of the 
Southern department, to succeed the captured Lincoln. Of 
Gates, who was praised as the "conqueror of Burgoyne," great 
things were expected. With a strong army he hurried south, 
disregarding the suggestions of his officers and confident of 




General Sumter. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



197 



victory. He encountered the British under Cornwallis near 
Camden, in the northern part of South Carolina. Each general 
had decided to surprise the other by a night attack. About 
two o'clock in the morning (August 16, 1780), their advance 




Greene's Campaign. — War in the Carolinas. 



guards met and a general conflict followed. The American 
militia fled at the first charge of the enemy. Our regulars 
under DeKalb held their ground until their brave leader fell 
pierced by eleven wounds ; then they abandoned the field. 
Save one brigade of regulars, who retired in good order, the 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



whole army of Gates was completely routed. Gates himself 
was borne in the headlong flight far into North Carolina, and 
that night found him sixty miles from the battlefield without 
an army. This was the severest defeat an American army had 
ever suffered. Gates's "Northern laurels" had indeed changed 
to "Southern willows." 

311. Battle of King^s Mountain (October 7, 1780). — After 
his victory at Camden, Cornwallis advanced to Charlotte, 
North Carolina, the county-seat of the famous Mecklenburg 
County (§261) and a "hornet's nest of rebels" as the British 
general called it. From here he sent a detachment under 
General Ferguson to enlist the Tories in the highlands of 
South Carolina. Ferguson's force of twelve hundred men was 
attacked at King's Mountain, on the border between the 
Carolinas, by a band of frontiersmen led by William Campbell, 
Charles McDonald, John Sevier, and other border chieftains. 
The British position on the mountain was stormed from three 
directions. The Carolina backwoodsmen advanced from tree 
to tree, using their unerring rifles with deadly effect. The 
British general was killed while leading a charge, and his men 
surrendered.. The victors dispersed for their homes, after hav- 
ing tried by court-martial and hanged for treason nine of their 
Tory prisoners. This brilliant victory, sometimes called the 
"Bennington of the South" changed the whole course of the 
war in this department. It cost Cornwallis a valuable part of 
his army, and caused him to abandon his plan of invading 
North Carolina, and to hurry back into South Carolina in order 
to hold the British posts in that state. 

312. Arnold^s Treason. —The year 1780 was full of dis- 
asters to the American cause. The surrender of Lincoln's 
army and the destruction of Gates's were now closely followed 
by the treason of one of our bravest officers in the North. 
General Benedict Arnold had shown conspicuous courage at 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



199 



Quebec, on Lake Champlain, and at Saratoga. But Congress 
had treated him unjustly, and General Gates had wronged 
him ; and he had not the greatness of soul to forget his own 
slights for his country's sake. After the British evacuation of 
Philadelphia, Arnold was placed in command of that city. 
Here he fell in love with a Tory lady. Her influence and 
that of her family led him to look with favor upon the 
enemies of his country. His extravagant living and self-willed 
conduct got him into trouble. He was accused of squander- 
ing public funds. On trial, the court acquitted him of inten- 
tional dishonesty, but sentenced him to be reprimanded by the 
commander-in-chief for " imprudence." Washington performed 
the disagreeable duty with great delicacy. Arnold, stung by the 
disgrace, however, determined to betray his country. He got 
himself appointed to the command of West Point, that he 
might surrender that important post to the British. Clinton 
sent Major Andre up the Hudson to confer with him. As 
Andre was returning to New York in disguise, he was arrested 
by three militiamen, who searched him and discovered in his 
boots papers revealing Arnold's base plot. Word was carried 
to Arnold at West Point that his plans were discovered. He 
escaped at once on board a British vessel in the river, and 
reached New York in safety. Although he failed to deliver 
up West Point, he received ^10,000 and the rank of general 
in the British army for his treason. Major Andre was tried as 
a spy and executed. 

313. Greene Placed in Command. — Congress, following 
Washington's suggestion, now appointed General Greene to 
succeed the conquered Gates. On reaching the Carolinas, 
Greene found a difficult task confronting him. The British 
had possession of Georgia and South Carolina and were ready 
to advance upon North Carolina. Their troops were well 
disciplined and equipped; their officers, Cornwallis, Tarleton, 



200 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



and Rawdon, were bold and skillful. To meet these tremen- 
dous odds, Greene had a mere handful of men, the remnant of 
Gates's conquered army. His troops were without supplies, 
the people were dispirited. Yet Greene himself was one of 
the ablest generals of his time, and his genius was worth a 
dozen armies. Moreover, he was aided by a splendid group 
of subordinate officers. There was Daniel Morgan, who had 
served with distinction at Quebec and 
Saratoga. Like Arnold, he had been 
unjustly treated by Congress, and had 
retired in disgust to his home in Vir- 
ginia. But on learning of the defeat at 
Camden, he forgot his wrongs and 
hastened to the defense of his country. 
There were those splendid cavalry 
leaders, Henry Lee (known as "Light- 
horse Harry"), father of the distin- 
guished Robert E. Lee, and William 
Washington, cousin of the commander- 
in-chief, besides the militia chieftains, Marion, Sumter, and 
Pickens, who were ever ready to strike a daring blow. We 
shall see how all the advantages of the enemy were overcome, 
and the Southern states recovered from the British. 

314. Battle of the Cowpens. — After the defeat at King's 
Mountain, Cornwallis had withdrawn to Winsboro, in the 
northern part of South Carolina. Greene advanced into South 
Carolina, and encamped on the Pedee River directly east of 
Cornwallis. The American commander now decided to divide 
his little army. He sent Morgan around the enemy's position 
to threaten the British posts in the western part of the state. 
Cornwallis by this time was ready for a second invasion of 
North Carolina, but he was unwilling to leave Morgan in his 
rear. Like Greene, the British general then divided his army, 




WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



20I 



sending a detachment under Tarleton after Morgan. Tarleton 
overtook Morgan at the Cowpens, a few miles from King's 
Mountain. In a hotly contested battle the British were de- 
feated. After a desperate single combat with Colonel Washing- 
ton, Tarleton himself barely escaped with a sword-cut in the 
hand. This decisive victory deprived Cornwallis of one-third 
of his army, and severely crippled his movements. 

315. Greene's Retreat. — (See map, p. 197.) Morgan now 
hastened back to reunite his forces with those of Greene. 
Cornwallis made all speed to intercept him at the fords of the 
Catawba. Morgan, by a rapid march, reached the river first, 
and crossed in safety. A sudden rise in the stream prevented 
the British from crossing at once. Meanwhile Greene placed 
a subordinate officer in charge of his main army, with orders to 
retire northward so as to join Morgan's retreating division, 
while he himself dashed across the country by the shortest 
roads to Morgan's hard-pressed men. He joined them at the 
Catawba and at once took charge of the retreat. Cornwallis, 
having burned all his heavy baggage that might impede his 
movements, hastened the pursuit. He reached the Yadkin a 
few hours after the Americans had crossed, but again a sudden 
rise in the water checked his advance. At Guilford Court 
House, in northern North Carolina, Greene's main army joined 
him, but still his force was too small to risk a battle. Contin- 

I uing the retreat, he reached the Dan River, and crossed over 
into Virginia. Cornwallis, baffled at last, gave up the pursuit. 

316. Guilford Court House. — The British general turned 
back into North Carolina, and proclaiming that state con- 
quered, called upon the North Carolinians to return to their 
allegiance to the king. But Greene, by no means beaten, re- 
crossed the Dan, and having received heavy reinforcements, 
engaged Cornwallis in battle at Guilford Court House. After 
a desperate conflict in which the bravery of the militia atoned 



202 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



for their disgraceful conduct at Camden, Greene retreated, 
leaving the enemy in possession of the field. Cornwallis 
claimed a victory, yet his loss was so heavy that it was said in 
England that " another such victory would destroy the British 
army." 

317. Georgia and the Carolinas Recovered. — Cornwallis 
now began a retreat to Wilmington, on the North Carolina 
coast. Greene pursued him for some distance, then correctly 
judging that he had nothing to fear from Cornwallis's army at 
present, hastened to the relief of South Carolina, in which 
state several strong posts were held by the British. At Hob- 
kirk Hill, near Camden, Greene, though compelled to retreat, 
proceeded as usual to reap all the fruits of victory. ^The 
British evacuated Camden, and one post after another fell into 
the hands of the Americans. Eutaw Springs, a drawn battle, 
was really another victory for Greene. The British retired to 
Charleston, and during the rest of the war remained cooped up 
on the coast. Thus, in a little more than a year, Greene's 
splendid generalship had wrested Georgia and the Carolinas 
from the control of the British. 

2. IN VIRGINIA. 

318. Plan of Cornwallis. — The traitor Arnold, with a 
British force, had been committing ravages in Virginia. He 
was opposed by a small army under Baron Steuben, an 
experienced German officer who had come over to aid the 
Americans. Afterward Lafayette was sent with a body of 
Northern troops to capture the traitor. Cornwallis, now that 
he found himself out-generalled by Greene, determined to 
abandon the Carolinas, march up into Virginia, unite his 
troops with those of Arnold, and attempt the conquest of this, 
the most powerful state in the South. 



i 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



203 



319. Washington's Daring Plan. — So far, the French 
army and fleet had been of Uttle direct service to the Ameri- 
cans. In fact the great value of the French alhance up to this 
time had been indirect, in keeping 
England so busy in other parts of the 
world that she was unable to concen- 
trate her energies upon her revolted 
colonies. In the summer of 1781, how- 
ever, a French fleet under DeGrasse 
again approached the coast of the 
United States. Washington now de- 
termined to strike a telling blow. His 
first plan was a joint attack upon New 
York by his own troops and the allied 
fleet, hoping thus to overwhelm Clin- 
ton's army and end the war. But learning that Cornwallis had 
come up into Virginia and was stationed near the coast with 
the army of Lafayette in front of him, Washington formed this 
daring plan : to hurry his own army four hundred miles south- 
ward into Virginia ; to join Lafayette ; and while the French 
fleet prevented the escape of Cornwallis, to crush that general's 
army before Clinton could send him aid from New York. 

320. Movements of the Armies. — Cornwallis invaded Vir- 
ginia, Lafayette's small force retreating before him. Clinton, 
who now feared an attack upon New York, sent word to Corn- 
wallis to keep near the coast, so as to be able to sail to his aid 
at any moment. Accordingly Cornwallis took position at York- 
town, on a peninsula between the mouths of the James and 
York Rivers. Meanwhile, as soon as Washington learned that 
the French fleet had started from the West Indies for Chesa- 
peake Bay, he entered upon the execution of his brilliant plan. 
Hurling his troops southward with all possible haste and 
secrecy, he had almost reached the Maryland border before 




HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Clinton understood his movements. Clinton now hastened to 
send his fleet against the French squadron that had entered 
Chesapeake Bay. At the same time he ordered Arnold to 
attack the coast towns of Connecticut, hoping thus to draw 




Washington's March upon Yorktown. 



Washington back. Both plans failed of their object. The 
English fleet was driven back from the mouth of the Chesa- 
peake, and Washington, refusing to be enticed from his prey, 
left Connecticut to take care of itself. Reaching the head of 
Chesapeake Bay, the American commander completed his 
swift journey in ships, and took command of the combined 
armies on Yorktown peninsula. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



205 



321. Surrender at Yorktown. — Cornwallis was entrapped. 
Encamped on a narrow peninsula, the French fleet threatened 
three sides of his position, while an army twice the size of his 
own blocked his escape by land. The French troops under 
General Rochambeau put themselves under Washington's 
orders, and vied with their American allies in storming the 
British works. One redoubt after another was taken. Finally, 
on the 19th of October, Cornwallis surrendered. His troops, 
eight thousand strong, marched between two long lines of 
French and American soldiers to lay down their arms, while 
their bands played an old English air, "The World's Turned 
Upside Down." 

322. Result of the Victory. — Swift messengers sped the 
news of the glorious victory through the length and breadth of 
the land. Congress adjourned at once to church for a service 
of thanksgiving and prayer. The joy of the people knew no 
limit, for they realized that the capture of this British army 
must close the war. In England, Lord North's ministry was 
overthrown, and a new ministry favorable to the United States 
was chosen. For the last three years plucky old England had 
been waging war, single-handed and alone, with three of the 
most powerful nations in the world, France, Spain, and Hol- 
land. She now realized that to subdue her rebellious colonies, 
whose courage and love of freedom equaled her own, was a 
hopeless task. Moreover, from the beginning of the struggle, 
a strong minority in Parliament had opposed the war. A few 
months before the surrender at Yorktown, the younger Pitt had 
denounced the American war as "most accursed, wicked, bar- 
barous, cruel, unnatural, unjust, and diabolical." Although 
British troops continued to hold New York, Charleston, and a 
few other points, no further hostilities followed. 



2o6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



323. Treaty of Peace. — In September, 1783, a final treaty 
of peace was signed at Paris. Its first provision was as fol- 
lows : " His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United 
States, viz. : New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode 
Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, 
North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia to be free, 
sovereign and independent States." At the same time Eng- 
land made peace with the other nations with which she had 
been at war. To Spain she gave back Florida, which had been 
a British possession since 1763 (§ 202). 

324. Summary of the War in the South. — Unsuccessful in the Middle 
states, the next plan of the British was to occupy Georgia and the Caroli- 
nas, and from these states to work their way northward. 

Savannah and Augusta were captured by the British, and Georgia was 
overrun, 1778-79. General Lincoln made an unsuccessful attempt to re- 
capture Savannah. He was himself compelled to surrender at Charleston. 
His successor, General Gates, was badly beaten at Camden. King's Moun- 
tain was a brilliant victory for the American militia. General Greene, suc- 
cessor of Gates, by skillful manoeuvering, without gaining any decisive 
victory, recovered Georgia and the Carolinas from the British. Cornwallis 
having advanced from North Carolina into Virginia, was besieged at York- 
town by the combined forces of Washington, Lafayette, and the French 
fleet. He surrendered October 19, 178 1. A treaty of peace was made two 
years later. 

325. Thought Questions. — How many years elapsed, after the begin- 
ning of the war, before the Southern states were invaded? Why did the 
British defer their attack on this section ? Why did they attempt the sub- 
jugation of the South when they did.? What was the nature of most of 
the warfare in the Southern states In which of his campaigns during 
the Revolution did Washington display the greatest skill ? Whom do you 
consider the two ablest American generals ? The ablest British general ? 
Give grounds for your opinion. ^ 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



207 



Topical Analysis (War of the Revolution). 

f Conduct of English kings. 

241. Old Grievances. ^ Conduct of royal governors. 

1^ Feeling at close of French wars. 

<• ™ , r Purpose of the laws. 

242. The Laws of Trade, i 

hour requirements. 
^ The laws evaded. 

243. 244. Enforcement of j Admiralty courts. 

the Laws. ■ Writs of assistance. 

t Feeling of the colonists. 

Salaries of Virginia clergymen. 

245. The "Parson's Case." ■{ Their suit. 

[ Henry's defiance of the king. 
f British argument. 

246, 247. Taxation of the Colonies, The Stamp Act. 

[ Argument of the colonists, 
f Compared with U. S. Congress. 
248. The British Parliament. ■{ " Rotten Boroughs." 



249, 250, 251. Resistance to the 
Stamp Act. 



Results of such representation. 
In Virginia. 
In North Carolina. 
In Massachusetts. 
The Stamp Act Congress. 
Repeal of the Act. 
j' Their requirements. 

252. The Townshend Acts. ^ Action of Massachusetts Assembly. 

[ Action of Virginia Assembly. 

rw^^ n„ J.- A J. ( Action of New York Assembly. 

253. The Mutiny Act. <^ ^, t. 

•^^ •'I The Boston Massacre. 

254. The Battle of Alamance. 

[ Purpose of the tax. 

255. The Tea Tax. Plans to enforce it. 
Action of the colonists. 

^ ■ ^ J. HT. f Boston Port Bill. 

256. Punishment of Boston. 



Charter of Massachusetts annulled, 
f In Georgia and South Carolina. 
257. Sympathy for Boston, In Virginia. 

1^ First Continental Congress. 



208 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



260. 

261. 

262. 
263. 

264. 

265. 



Purpose of the British. 

Lexington and , Paul Revere's ride. 

Concord. Skirmishes at Lexington and Concord. 

The return march. 

f In England. 

Effect of the News. <| In the colonies. 

Mecklenburg Declaration. 

^ , r Fortification of the hill. 

Bunker Hill, < , ^ r ^ ^ ■ ■ ^ 

I Attack of the British. 

Second Continental J Measures of resistance. 

[ Commander-in-chief of the army. 
J When and where. 
\ Difficulties overcome. 
I' Purpose. 

Expedition against Canada. ■{ March of the armies. 

[ Results accomplished. 
Dorchester Heights. 
Withdrawal of the British. 



Congress. 
Washington takes Command. 



266. Evacuation of Boston 

267. 

268 



■{ 



The King's Authority | Flight of royal governors. 
Overthrown. Battle of Moore's Creek. 

269. 



Attack on the 
Carolinas. 



The North Carolina coast. 
Battle of Fort Moultrie. 
^ Action of North Carolina. 



, Of Virginia. 
I Of Congress. 
Synopsis of the Declaration. 
The New Government. Adoption of a constitution. 

Plan of the British. 

f Washington's defenses. 

276. Battle of Long Island.-} Howe's attack. 

Washington's escape. 

„ ,„ , . , . r From New York to White Plains. 

277, 278. Washington's 1 ^ ..^ ^ 

■ , ^ Fall of Fort Washington. 

Retreat. It... at t 

Retreat across New jersey. 

^ . ^ , f Despondency of Americans. 

279. Battle of Trenton.^ ; 

1^ Washington s 



270, 271. Independence. 



272. 
275- 



280. Battle of Princeton. 



victory. 
Cornwallis's change of plan. 
Washington's critical position. 
[ His splendid generalship. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



209 



W 

o 

^ .0 

u 



281. Plan of the British. 

282 



283, 



Burgoyne's 
Advance. 



First expedition from Canada. 
Burgoyne's plan, 
f Retreat of the Americans. 
Bennington. 
Fort Stanwix. 

Recruits for Schuyler's army. 

Schuyler displaced. 

First battle. 

Second battle. 

Surrender of Burgoyne. 

^ r f Territory recovered from British. 

Results of the ! _ ^ . . , . . 

Surrender, 



284, 285. Battles of Saratoga. 



286. 



Encouragement of the colonists 
Aid from France. 

Howe's first intention. 
Advance on Philadelphia. 
Howe's strategy. 
Result of the battle, 
j' Philadelphia taken. 
289. Battle of Germantown. ^ Fight at Germantown. 

[ Forts on the Delaware 



287. Plan of the British. 

288. Battle of Brandy wine 



■{ 



290. 
291. 
292. 

293- 
294. 



British retire to New York. 




r Sufferings at Valley Forge. 

Period of Gloom. The Conway Cabal. 

Inefficiency of Congress. 

f Howe recalled. 

\ Philadelphia evacuated. 

C Conduct of Charles Lee. 

Battle of Monmouth. < W^ashington's indignation. 

[ Result of the battle. 

, r W^yoming and Cherry Valley. 

Indian Massacres, i . , ° r t 

Punishment of the Indians. 

Situation of the armies. 

Events in Rhode Island. 

1^ British change of plan. 

{Claims to the region. 
Clarke and his troops. 
The hazardous march. 
Result. 

The Indians of the Southwest. 

f Navy of Congress. 
Naval forces of the states. 
Privateers. 

300. Paul Jones's Victory. 



War Transferred 
to the South. 



Naval Forces of the 
United States. 



2IO 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



303. Plan of the British. 

304. Fall of Savannah and Augusta. 

f Kettle Creek. 

305. Georgia Overrun. Briar Creek. 
[ Result. 

X • r Clinton's marauding expedition. 

Events in the North. A ^ ^ . ^ ^ 

btony Point. 



> ^ 



306. 

307- 
308. 



Efforts to recapture Savannah. 

T-i 1, ^ - J 1 Clinton's advance. 
Fall of Charleston. <^ 

1 he surrender. 



309. South Carolina Overrun. 



110. Battle of Camden 



I 

1 



Elation of the British. 
Militia leaders, 
f General Gates. 
Plan of the armies. 
Result of the battle. 



311. Battle of King's 



f Advance into Mecklenburg county. 



312. 
313- 

314- 

315- 
316. 
317- 

318. 
319- 



321. 
322. 
323- 



Mountain. 
Arnold's Treason. 
Greene in Command 



^ King's Mountain. 
[ Results, 



■{ 



His difficulties. 

Subordinate officers. 

r Position of the armies. 

Battle of the Cowpens. ^ Plans of the generals. 

L The battle. 

f Morgan's division. 

Greene's Retreat. <j Greene's main army. 

[ The escape. 

Battle of Guilford Court House. 

f Cornwallis's retreat. 

<| Hobkirk Hill. 

Eutaw Springs. 

Plan of Cornwallis. 

J . f The French fleet. 

Washington's Plan. ^ j v 

The proposed march. 

f Cornwallis. 
Movements of the Armies. ^ Washington. 

Clinton. 

The Surrender at Yorktown. 

^ J- . r In United States. 

Results of the Victory. 

Treaty of Peace. 



Georgia and the Carolinas 
Recovered. 



In Great Britain. 



I 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



211 



II. THE CONFEDERATION (1781-89). 

326. Authority of Congress During the War. — The first 
Continental Congress (1774) claimed no political power. It 
was merely a committee of the different colonies to consult 
about their wrongs. At the beginning of the Revolution, the 
need of concerted action of all the colonies was so apparent 
that the Congress of 1775, by universal consent, began to exer- 
cise important powers of government relating to the manage- 
ment of the war. This Congress and its successors assumed 
control of the continental armies, appointed officers and en- 
listed troops, borrowed and issued money, declared the inde- 
pendence of the united colonies, and negotiated a treaty with 
France. All these and other powers it exercised on the 
authority of the vague and by no means uniform instructions 
of the different states to their delegates. Its measures had, in 
themselves, no authority over any one of the thirteen sover- 
eign and independent states, save in the willing obedience of 
each. It was six years after Congress began to exercise cer- 
tain powers of government before any constitution defining 
those powers was formally agreed upon. 

327. Adoption of the First Constitution. — We have seen 
(§ 272) that, at the time of the Declaration of Independence, 
Congress took steps to prepare a constitution for the United 
States. This constitution, called the Articles of Confederation, 
was to have no binding effect until all the states should ratify 
it. Most of the states did so at once. But Maryland refused 
her assent until the lands northwest of the Ohio should be sur- 
rendered by those states claiming them, and should be recog- 
nized as the common property of all the states, to be used in 
paying the debts contracted by Congress. She based her 
position on the grounds, (i) that the control of this region had 
been wrested from the French by the French and Indian War, 



212 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



in which all the states had shared ; (2) that the possession of 
such a vast territory would give an overshadowing influence to 
the few states claiming it. Thus it was 1781 before Maryland 
ratified the Articles. They then went into full effect. 

328. Nature of the Articles of Confederation. — The gov^ 
ernment of the United States under the Articles of Confedera- 
tion was in the nature of a league between sovereign states for 
certain purposes. The Articles expressly declared that " each 
State retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence." 
There was no president of the United States ; there were no 
United States courts. The powers of government were vested 
in a Congress which was composed of one house, its members 
elected for one year, and paid by their respective states. No 
state could be represented by less than two or more than seven 
members. The voting in Congress was by states, each state 
having one vote. The most important powers of Congress 
were to declare war, deal with foreign nations, establish post- 
offices, settle disputes between states, borrow money, and fix 
the sums to be raised by the different states in proportion to 
the value of the land and buildings in each. The power to 
coin and issue money was shared with the states. The con- 
sent of nine states was necessary to carry any important meas- 
ure. No change in the Articles could be made without the 
approval of every state. 

329. Treaty with England. — The final treaty of peace with 
England (§ 323) was ratified by Congress in 1783. The boun- 
daries of the United States were fixed at Canada on the north 
(§ 297), the Mississippi River on the west, and Florida ex- 
tending west to the Mississippi on the south. The army was 
disbanded and the poorly paid soldiers returned to their 
homes. Washington appeared before Congress and resigned 
his office as commander-in-chief. Savannah, Charleston, and 
New York were evacuated by the British. It was twelve years 



i 

I 



I 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



213 



later, however, before Great Britain surrendered the western 
posts on the Canadian frontier. 

330. The Northwest Territory. — At the close of the 
Revolution, Virginia held, besides her present limits and those 
of West Virginia and Kentucky, all the vast domain from the 
Ohio River to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi (§297). Her 
claim to the Illinois Country, or the "Northwest Territory," as 
it was afterward called, was based (i) on the limits fixed by 
her colonial charter of 1609, (2) on its conquest from the 
British by her tooops under Clarke, (3) upon its actual occupa- 
tion by her officers. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New 
York also made claim to parts of this region, chiefly on the 
basis of their colonial charters. When the Articles of Confed- 
eration were being adopted, Maryland made the bold sugges- 
tion that the whole territory be surrendered to Congress as the 
common property of all the states (§ 326). This suggestion 
was finally carried out. In 1784 Virginia generously ceded to 
I Congress all territory northwest of the Ohio that was claimed 
by her. The other states likewise gave up their claims. The 
acceptance of the gift made it necessary for Congress to 
assume new and important powers in regard to the government 
of the ceded territory. It did much to strengthen the union 
between the states, and was one of the most momentous events 
in our history. 

331. The Ordinance of 1787. — The act of Congress pro- 
viding for the government of the Northwest Territory is known 
as the Ordinance of 1787. It provided that the territory might 
be divided into states, not exceeding five in number, whenever 
the population of a proposed state should reach sixty thousand. 
In the meantime the territory was to be governed by officers 
appointed by Congress. In this territory the property of 
parents dying without wills should be equally divided among 
the children. (The laws of several states at that time gave 



214 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the eldest son all the property ; in all other states he received 
a double share.) The Ordinance further provided for com- 
plete religious freedom. The rights of trial by jury and of the 
writ of habeas corpus were to be forever inviolable. Schools 
were to be encouraged, and slavery forever prohibited,^ though 
fugitive slaves from other states were to be returned to thei| 
owners. Few acts of Congress have had a more far-reaching 
effect than the Ordinance of 1787. It not only moulded to 
a certain extent the subsequent history of the great states 
carved from the Northwest Territory, but it served as a 
model for the government of future territories, and affected 
great national questions of the next century. 

332. The Southwest. — The western lands south of the 
Ohio were claimed by Virginia, North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina, and Georgia. In 1784, the inhabitants of the eastern 
part of the present State of Tennessee revolted from North 
Carolina and established a separate state, which they called 
Franklin. They elected John Sevier (hero of King's Mountain) 
governor, organized a Legislature, and sent a delegate to Con- 
gress. But North Carolina reestablished her authority, and, 
in 1790, ceded Tennessee Territory to the United States. 
South Carolina had given up her western claims in 1787. In 
1792 Virginia consented that Kentucky be formed into a sep- 
arate state. Georgia granted to the United States the terri- 
tory of Alabama and Mississippi in 1804. Where the ceded 
land did not at once become a state (as Kentucky) it was 
first organized into a territory with a government similar to 
that of the Northwest Territory. 

333. Navigation of the Mississippi. — How to carry their 
products to the markets of the world was a serious problem to 
the settlers on the western frontier. There were few roads 

1 This was the first limitation by law of the extension of slavery, and it was sup- 
ported by every Southern member of Congress. 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



215 



across the mountains, and these were beset with difficulties 
and dangers. Tlie Mississippi River became the great high- 
way of trade for the farmers of the west. But the territory on 
both banks of the river near its mouth was now owned by 
Spain (see map). That nation claimed the sole right to the 
navigation of the lower Mississippi, and threatened to tax all 
other than Spanish vessels passing the mouth of the stream. 
In 1786 a treaty with Spain was proposed in Congress which 
provided that in return for certain privileges to be granted 
by Spain to our commerce in other parts of the worM, we 
surrender for twenty-five years our right to navigate the 
Mississippi. The proposition was at first considered favorably. 
At once a storm of indignation arose throughout the South 
and Southwest. The result was, Congress finally rejected 
the proposal. But the angry discussions over the matter 
called attention to the importance of establishing our control 
over the Mississippi. At the same time a bitter feeling was 
aroused in the South against the New England states, whose 
delegates in Congress favored the proposed treaty. 

334. Finances of the Country. — The varying and uncer- 
tain value of money was a continual source of distress from 
the time of the Declaration of 
Independence to the adoption 
of our present Constitution. 
Congress had no power to tax 
the people. Funds for the 
expenses of the war were ob- 
tained from three sources : 
(i) The manufacture of paper 
money by authority of Con- 
gress ; (2) grants of money 
by the different states ; (3) 
loans from Spain, France, and Holland, and from wealthy 
citizens of our own country (notably Robert Morris, of Penn- 




Continental Money, 



2l6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



sylvania, whose generous aid to the destitute army just before 
the battle of Trenton, made that victory possible). The first 
issue of " Continental currency " was accepted by the people 
at its face value. But as the weakness of Congress became 
apparent, and the paper money continued to be issued, it rap- 
idly decreased in value. Laws were passed to make the peo- 
ple accept the paper money as equal in value to gold. But by 
the middle of the war a Spanish silver dollar was worth forty of 
the paper dollars. A little later it took three paper dollars to 
equal one cent. By the close of the war the Continental money, 
having lost its value entirely, disappeared from circulation, and 
Congress issued no more. To describe an utterly worthless 



France, and Holland were in circulation, such as ninepences, 
doubloons, pistoles, bits,^ pistareens, and picayunes. It was not 
until 1786 that Congress coined any money. Then the silver 
dollar (containing 375tVo grains of silver), with the present 
subdivisions of dimes and cents, was made the unit of value. 
This simple system was planned by Thomas Jefferson anc 
Gouverneur Morris. > 
335. Difficulties. — The varying standards of money in the 
different states threw business into hopeless confusion. There 
was no uniformity in the regulation of commerce. The states 

1 The " bit " was a Spanish and West Indian coin of the vahie of ten to twelve- 
and-a-half cents. In some of the Western states to-day " two-bits," " four-bits," and 
" six-bits" are common terms to designate twenty-five, fifty, and seventy-five cents. 




Pine-Tree Shilling of Massachusetts. 



object, people said 
it was "not worth a 
Continental." The 
different states is- 
sued paper money 
with a similar result. 
All sorts of gold, sil- 
ver, and copper coins 
of England, Spain, 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



217 



quarreled about the duties on imported goods. For example, 
New York having levied a heavy duty on certain articles im- 
ported from New Jersey, that state retaliated by imposing a 
tax of fifteen hundred dollars a year on a New York light- 
house situated on the New Jersey coast. In Massachusetts 
the poorer classes demanded that the state issue paper money. 
The Legislature refused, and at the same time appropriated ad- 
ditional funds to Congress. The people, already heavily taxed, 
rose in rebellion under Daniel Shays, an officer of the Revolu- 
tion. The governor called out four thousand troops, and 
placed them under General Lincoln. After some bloodshed, 
" Shays's Rebellion " was suppressed. 

336. Weakness of the Government. — It was soon found 
that the prosperity and good government of the people were 
impossible under the Articles of Confederation. We have seen 
that the states alone had the power of taxation. To provide 
I for the running expenses of the government, Congress could 
only recommend to each state to pay its share of the total sum 
needed each year. Sometimes a state failed to pay its appor- 
tionment. Few states were prompt. The result was that 
Congress was constantly begging foreign nations for loans, 
while it got deeper and deeper into debt. In short. Congress 
had no power to act directly upon the people. It could act 
only upon the states, and then could not enforce obedience. 
In the words of a statesman of the time, " Congress may make 
and consider treaties, but they can only recommend the ob- 
servance of them. They may appoint ambassadors, but they 
cannot defray their expenses. They may borrow money on 
the faith of the Union, but they cannot pay a dollar. They 
may coin money, but they cannot buy an ounce of bullion. 
They may make war and determine what troops are necessary, 
but they cannot raise a single soldier. In short, they may de- 
:lare everything, but they can do nothing." 



2l8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



337. Efforts to Revise the Articles. — In 1785 commission- , 
ers from Virginia and Maryland met to arrange for a joint use I 
of the Potomac. This meeting suggested the idea of a largerj 
meeting of representatives from all the states, to form some 
plan to regulate commerce, so that states would be prevented 
from injuring each other's trade. Accordingly, in 1786 Vir- 
ginia issued a call to all the states to send delegates to a con- 
vention to consult about a uniform system of duties. The con- 
vention met at Annapolis, Maryland, but as only five states 
were represented it did nothing further than to recommend that 
all the states send delegates to a convention to meet the fol- 
lowing year, to devise such changes in the Articles of Confed- 
eration as, when agreed to by Congress and ratified by every 
state, would render them adequate to the needs of the coun- 
try. Congress approved this idea. The grave defects of the 
Articles had become evident to every one. Before the ap- 
pointed time for the convention twelve states had chosen 
delegates. 

338. The Constitutional Convention. — The convention met 
in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787. Judged by the results of its 
work, no more important meeting was ever held in the history 
of the world. It numbered fifty-five members,^ representing 
every state except Rhode Island. Washington was chosen 
presiding officer. It was agreed that each state should have 
one vote, and that the proceedings should be secret, lest any 
disagreement in the convention becoming known should pre- 
vent the acceptance of the result by the people. The conven- 
tion had been called to revise the old Articles of Confedera- 
tion, but so many changes were found necessary that it was 
soon decided to prepare an entirely new constitution. Here 

1 Among the delegates were George Washington and James Madison, of Virginia; 
Hamilton, of New York ; Franklin, of Pennsylvania ; Rutledge and the PinckneyS, 
of South Carolina. 




BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 



I 



li 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



219 



many difficulties were encountered from the opposing views of 
members. The small states demanded that all the states 
should have equal power in the new government. The large 
states argued that their greater population and wealth entitled 
them to a larger representation. It was finally agreed that 
the new Congress should be composed of two houses, in one 
of which all the states should have equal representation, while 
in the other representation should depend on population. How 
to count the slaves in determining the representation of a state, 
was another vexed question. At almost every step compromises 
had to be made. Several times the convention seemed utterly 
unable to agree. On one such occasion it was proposed by 
Franklin that thereafter the daily sessions be opened with 
prayer for divine guidance. After four months of labor the 
convention finished its work, and the proposed constitution 
was signed by the delegates. 

339. Adoption of the Constitution. — The constitution pro- 
vided that when the conventions of as many as nine states 
should have ratified it, it should go into effect between the 
states so ratifying. Accordingly, the proposed constitution, 
having been first submitted to Congress, was sent to the people 
of the different states for their approval or rejection. Six 
states, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connec- 
ticut, and Maryland, gave their assent unanimously, or with 
little opposition. In Massachusetts, South Carolina, New 
Hampshire, Virginia, and New York, there was a strong oppo- 
sition and a hard fight. These states finally gave their assent, 
but at the same time insisted upon the adoption of certain 
amendments defining more particularly the rights of the states 
and of the people. New York and Virginia in their acts of 
ratification declared that the powers of government surrendered 
by them might be reassumed whenever they were used to the 
injury or oppression of the people. By the end of July, 1788, 



220 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the assent of the eleven states above mentioned had been 
given, and Congress set March 4, 1789, as the day when the 
new government should go into operation. The convention of 
North Carolina refused to adopt the constitution until a bill of 
rights should be added, and the people of Rhode Island over- 
whelmingly rejected it. Thus these two states saw their eleven 
sisters withdraw from the Union under the Articles of Confed- 
eration, and set up a new government.^ 

340. Nature of the New Government. — The Articles of 
Confederation established only one department of government, 
— the legislative. They provided no courts to interpret the laws 
of Congress, and no executive officers to enforce them. Under 
the new constitution there were to be three separate and dis- 
tinct departments, — legislative, executive, and judicial, just as 
already existed in the state governments. At the same time a 
new and strange idea was adopted — to limit the powers of the 
federal government to certain specified spheres, but within 
those spheres to permit it to act directly upon the people (in- 
stead of upon the states), and to be supreme. All powers not 
surrendered to the federal government by the states were to 
be retained by them.^ This constitution, with few changes, has 
continued in force to the present time. Its leading features are 
as follows : 

341. The Legislative Department. — Congress consists of 
two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. 
In the Senate each state is entitled to two members, while in 
the House the representation of any state depends upon its 

1 After maintaining for a time a separate and independent position, North 
Carolina joined the new Union November, 1789, and Rhode Island in May, 1790. 
Rhode Island, like Virginia and New York, accompanied her final ratification by a 
declaration that all the powers of government might be reassumed by her people. 

2 Among these powers surrendered to the general government by the states were 
the powers to levy a tariff and to coin money, which had been the source of so much 
dissatisfaction under the Articles. 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



221 



population (in which at first all free persons and three-fifths 
of the slaves were counted). Senators are chosen by the 
state Legislatures, and serve six years. Representatives are 
elected directly by the people, and serve two years. Congress 
is given the power to lay taxes, borrow money, regulate 
commerce, coin money, establish post-offices, declare war, raise 
and support armies and navies. The states are forbidden to 
do any of these things except to tax themselves, borrow money, 
and use their own militia. To become a law a bill must pass 
both houses of Congress and be signed by the president. 
Should the president veto a bill within ten days after its 
passage, it must be again passed by a two-thirds vote before it 
can become a law. Treaties made by the president must be 
approved by the Senate. 

342. The Executive Department. — The president of the 
United States is chosen for a term of four years by electors, 
who are appointed from each state in such manner as the legis- 
lature thereof may direct. (In all the states, at present, these 
electors are elected by the people.) The president is given 
power to enforce the laws of Congress. He is commander-in- 
chief of the army and navy, and appoints most of the public 
officers. With the consent of the Senate, he makes treaties 
with foreign nations. If the president should fail to perform 
his duty he may be impeached (accused) by the House of 
Representatives, and tried and removed by the Senate. Should 
he die, resign, be removed, or become unable to act, the vice- 
president takes his place. Otherwise the vice-president pre- 
sides .over the Senate, but cannot vote in that body except in 
case of a tie. 

343. The Judicial Department. — To interpret the laws of 
Congress the constitution provides one Supreme Court and 
such inferior courts as Congress may establish. The judges 
are appointed by the president with the approval of the Senate, 



222 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



and hold their office for life, unless removed for misconduct. 
No cases can be tried before a United States court except : 
(i) Those involving the Constitution of the United States, or the 
laws or treaties of Congress ; (2) those affecting ambassadors 
or foreigners; (3) controversies to which either the United 
States or a state is a party ; (4) controversies between citizens 
of different states. 

344. Other Requirements. — Each state shall allow citizens ' 
of other states equal privileges with its own. Slaves escaping I 
into another state shall be returned to their owners (void by I 
Thirteenth Amendment). Congress is given power to govern 
the territories. The United States shall see that each state 
maintains a republican form of government. The Constitution 
may be changed with the consent of three-fourths of the states. | 

345. Summary of Period of Articles of Confederation. — With the 
assent of Maryland, in 1781, the Articles of Confederation went into effect. 
The treaty of peace with Great Britain was concluded in 1783. The North- 
west Territory was ceded to Congress by Virginia and other states claim- 
ing it, and in 1787 Congress adopted the famous " Ordinance " for its gov- 
ernment. The inhabitants of eastern Tennessee set up a separate state 
government, which they maintained for a few years, until North Carolina 
reestablished her authority over them. Through lack of a financial system, 
quarrels between states, and the weakness of Congress, the country was 
drifting towards anarchy. In 1787 delegates from twelve states met in 
Philadelphia to revise the Articles. The new constitution prepared by 
them went into effect in 1789, over eleven states that had then ratified it. 
North Carolina and Rhode Island joined the new Union within the next 
two years. 

346. Thought Questions. — How did Maryland delay the adoption of 
the Articles of Confederation ? How did her action result in a closer 
union of the states at last ? How many territories in the United States 
to-day ? How are the governors of these territories chosen ? Where was 
the State of Franklin, and when did it exist ? Why should the New Eng- 
landers favor the treaty with Spain ? Why should the South and West 
oppose it ? Why was the Continental money of so little value? Why is 
our paper money now worth as much as gold ? Mention some of the com- ■ 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



223 



promises in the constitutional convention. Was the action of the eleven 
states that withdrew from the Union under the Confederation a "secession"? 
What was the justification of their action? Mention three important 
differences between the government under the Articles and that under the 
Constitution. 



331 



The Ordinance of 1787. |^ 



Topical Analysis (the Confederation). 

^ . J- « r The first Continental Congress. 

326. Authority of Congress. < ^ , ■ , 

1^ Congress durmg the war. 

f Framing of the Articles. 

327, 328. Articles of Confederation. ^ Delay in ratification. 

1^ Nature of the Articles, 
f Boundaries. 

329. Treaty with England. Disbanding of the army. 

[ Departure of British troops, 
f Claims of different states. 

330. The Northwest Territory. <{ Maryland's proposition. 

1^ Gift of the territory. 

Its provisions. 
Its effects, 
f Claims of the states. 

332. The Southwest. <| The State of Franklin. 

[ Grants by the states. 

f Importance to farmers of the West. 

333. The Mississippi River. -{ Proposed treaty with Spain. 

1^ Sectional feeling. 
Funds for the war. 
Continental currency. 
Foreign coins. 
First coinage by Congress. 

C Quarrels between states. 
335' 336- Difficulties of the Government. Shays's rebellion. 

Weakness of Congress. 
337. Efforts to revise f The Virginia and Maryland Commission, 
the Articles. \ The Annapolis Convention. 

Meeting of the Philadelphia convention. 
Proceedings of the convention. 
The work completed. 



f 



334. Finances. 



338. Framing of the 
Constitution. 



224 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



f Conditions for adoption. 

339. Adoption of the Constitution. 4 Action of the states. 

North Carolina and Rhode Island. 

„ ^ , „ ^. { Compared with the Articles. 

340. Nature of the Constitution. ^ . . 

^ 1 he new idea. 

f Senators. 

^ . _ _ ^ , ^ I Representatives. 

341. Legislative Department. < ^ ^ ^ 

Powers of Congress. 

Method of passing laws, 
f Election of president. 

342. Executive Department. -<j Powers of president. 

Vice-president. 
^ United States courts. 

343. Judicial Department. <{ Judges of United States courts. 

[ Jurisdiction of United States courts. 

344. Other Requirements. 




I 



THE UNION OF THE STATES. — DEVELOPMENT. — 
DIVISION. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 

(Washington to J. Q. Adams.) 

Washington's Administration. 

Two Terms: 1789-1797. 

347. Services and Character of the First President. — 

When the time came to elect a president, under the new Constitu- 
tion, all eyes were turned to George Washington. Born in 




Mount Vernon. 

Virginia, February 22, 1732, Washington was descended from 
one of the Cavalier families that had emigrated from England 
to Virginia during the period of Cromwell's rule. He received 



226 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



a fair English education, and became a surveyor. The hard- 
ships and dangers of his work on the wilderness frontier devel- 
oped his powers, while the ability and integrity he displayed 
attracted public notice. By the death of an elder brother, he 
came into possession of the estate of Mount Vernon, on the 
Potomac, not far from the present city of Washington. He 
married Mrs. Martha Custis, a rich widow. His services in 
the French and Indian War first brought him into prominence 
as a soldier. He was member of Congress from Virginia when 
chosen commander-in-chief of the armies of the united colonies. 
His military genius, his incorruptible patriotism, his splendid 
reserve-power in the midst of discouragements entitle him 
to be called the "soul of the Revolution." President of the 
convention of 1787, his influence secured the final adoption of 
the Constitution. He was chosen first president of the United 
States by the unanimous vote of the electors.^ 

348. The Inauguration. — A few days after he had received 
notice of his election, Washington left his home at Mount 
Vernon in Virginia, and set out for New York, which was 
then the capital. Accompanied by friends, he traveled across 
the country in a coach. The journey occupied several days 
and was one grand triumph. Feasts, balls, and other enter- 
tainments in his honor were given in the various cities through 
which he passed ; arches were built, streets were decorated 
with flags and flowers, and everything was done to show the 
respect and loyalty the people felt for "the savior of the 
country." Though the fourth of March was the day set for the 
inauguration, the slow methods of travel delayed the ceremony 
till April 30. 

349. Political Parties. — Those who had supported the new 
Constitution were called Federalists, those who had opposed it 

1 See Article II, Section I, clauses 2 and 3 of the Constitution, and Article XII of 
the Amendments. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



227 



Anti-Federalists. The Federalists believed in a strong central 
government that should have ample power to lay and collect 
taxes, raise armies, and transact the business of the govern- 
ment promptly and independently. The Anti-Federalists be- 
lieved that the people of the states, through the states, were 
the source of power, that government should be instituted 
solely for their convenience and service, and that it must be 
subject at all times to the voice of the people. 

After the Constitution was adopted, the Federalists were 
called " Loose Constructionists " because they put a very broad 
construction on the general provisions of the Constitution ^ and 
claimed rights and powers of government not specifically 
granted. The Anti-Federalists were called " Strict Construc- 
tionists " because they insisted upon the letter of the Constitu- 
tion and denied to the Federal government any powers except 
those specifically granted by the Constitution. The Federalists 
were willing to encroach upon the powers of the states. The 
Anti-Federalists believed that the general government should 
have only such limited powers as should be specifically dele- 
gated to it by the states. 

350. The New Nation. — When our country took its first step 
as a nation it was not rich nor powerful. In the thirteen states, 
the first census showed a population of not quite four millions.- 
The area of the country then was not quite four times that of 
the State of Texas to-day. But the patriots who had risked 
"their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor " ^ to create 
the new republic were more anxious to lead free and manly 
lives than they were to be rich and powerful. They cared more 
for the character of the nation that would result from their acts 
than for its size, population, or wealth. 

1 See Constitution, Article I, Section VIII, last Clause. 

2 In 1890, each of two states — Pennsylvania and New York — had a greater pop- 
ulation than the whole country in 1 790. 

3 See the concluding clause of the Declaration of Independence, § 271. 



228 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



351. The First Cabinet. — George Washington appreciated 
the necessity of moving forward slowly and carefully. He felt 
keenly and bore bravely the responsibility of chief officer of the 
nation. He leaned toward the new Federalist party, but called 
to his cabinet, after Congress had authorized its formation,^ 
able leaders from both parties. Thomas Jefferson, the most 
distinguished opponent of the Federalist plans and theories, 
was made secretary of state. Alexander Hamilton,^ the leader j 



tunity in this cabinet for the leaders of the opposing parties to 
unite on plans and policies and to harmonize conflicting theories 
of government ; but there was opportunity, also, for further and 
more vital disagreement when the theories were to be put in 

^ The president's cabinet is not named in the constitution. It includes the heads 
of departments who constitute the president's advisers. 

2 Hamilton was one of the authors of the Federalist. This was a publication 
founded to aid in securing the adoption of the Constitution. It contained papers 
written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, explaining and advocating the provisions of 
the Constitution. Washington appointed Jay chief-justice of the Supreme Court. 
Madison was a member of the first Congress. 

3 After a portrait by Trumbull, by permission, from Lodge's Works of Alexander 
Hamilton. 




Alexander Hamilton. ^ 



of the Federalist party, who 
afterwards added to his re- 
putation as a great party 
leader the more solid and 
worthy one of a great finan- 
cier, was given the treasury 
department. General Henry 
Knox, a Federalist of Massa- 
chusetts, became secretary 
of war. Edmund Randolph, 
of Virginia, who was opposed 
to many of the strong-govern- 
ment theories of the Federal- 
ists, was appointed attorney 
general. There was oppor- 



i 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



229 



practice and the country was to take its course this way or that. 
One does not need to know much of politics to know that further 
disagreement was most likely ; and, indeed, this was the result. 
The breach between the factions was widened as time went on. 
Since the time of Washington, cabinets have been formed 
usually from the party that elects the president. 

352. Financial Plans. — The first thing to be done was to 
raise money to pay the expenses of the new government. For 
this purpose, Congress passed a bill laying taxes on imports. A 
large income was the result. To the next Congress, Hamilton 
proposed that we should pay our debts. Th^se debts were 
divided into three classes : (i) We owed abroad about ^13,000,- 
000, that we had borrowed ; (2) We owed to our own country- 
men about $42,500,000 for debts contracted in furthering the 
Revolution ; (3) it was proposed that Congress pay the debts 
incurred by the separate states in the prosecution of the war, 
amounting in the aggregate to about $25,000,000. To the pay- 
ment of the foreign debt all agreed. The proposition to pay 
the immense debt due our own countrymen caused wide-spread 
speculation in the depreciated securities of these debts, and 
there was considerable opposition to the measure ; in the end it 
was carried. Hamilton's plan to assume the debts of the states 
caused a great surprise to the country and aroused bitter oppo- 
sition. But after a hard struggle and some bargaining,^ this, 
too, was carried. 

The tax on imports, though it raised a large revenue, did not 
enable us to pay these large debts as rapidly as was wished. 

^ The Northern states were, in the main, in favor of the Federal government pay- 
ing the state debts ; most of the Southern states believed that each state should be 
responsible for its own debt. The North wanted the new permanent capital ; the 
South also wanted it. Some Northern congressmen voted for a Southern location of 
the capital in exchange for some Southern votes in favor of assumption of the state 
debts. By this trade, Hamilton's third proposition carried, and by it the permanent 
capital — W^ashington — was located on the Potomac. 



230 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

To supplement the tariff revenue, a special tax, or excise, was 
imposed on spirits. 

A national bank, that was to be the financial agent of the 
government, and a mint were established for the purpose of 
giving us a national currency. With the establishment of the 
mint, Jefferson's system of decimal currency was put in opera- 
tion and has proven itself to be the best in the world. 

353. The Whiskey Insurrection. — ^The tax on spirits was 
very unpopular with those who had to pay it. In western Penn- 
sylvania, where there were many stills and where whiskey was 
used in place of money, the opposition to the tax was very 
bitter. The people refused to pay the tax; government in- 
spectors were mobbed ; secret societies were formed to resist 
the execution of the law. A call to arms raised a band of 2000 
insurgents who marched to Pittsburg, but committed no depre- 
dations. Washington called out the militia of Pennsylvania, 
New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia to put down the insurrec- 
tion ; 15,000 troops took the field. Hamilton, who was anxious 
to vindicate the government's power to lay the tax, accom- 
panied the troops. But before this force reached the scene of 
the disturbances, the ringleaders of the insurrection had fled. 
The people made no resistance but promptly took the oath of 
allegiance. A few arrests and convictions were made, but the 
president pardoned all who were implicated and the trouble 
ceased. The government had shown its power to put down 
any ordinary insurrection. 

354. Extension of the Frontier. — New States. — Hostile 
tribes had long since been driven away from the sea-board, and 
east of the AUeghanies there was no further trouble from them. 
But adventurous pioneers pushed beyond the mountains into 
the Western wilderness ; and every inch of their progress was 
disputed by the old enemy. Daniel Boone and his followers 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



231 



had established themselves in territory that is now included in 
the State of Kentucky. Settlements had been made in what is 
now Cincinnati, and at other points along the Ohio. There 
were so many massacres of settlers in the Kentucky territory 
that it came to be called "the Dark and Bloody Ground." 
Washington, when he became the executive of the new nation, 
determined to protect these pioneers. In his early life he had 
become familiar with this Western country and was interested 




Tort Washington (Site of Cincinnati). 



in its development. He was also familiar with Indian warfare 
and knew its cruel and treacherous methods. General Harmer 
was sent against the hostile tribes of the Ohio region in 1790; 
but he was surprised and defeated. Next year. General St. 
Claire was sent against them with more than two thousand 
troops. He had been solemnly advised and warned by Wash- 
ington, but he allowed himself to be ambushed and his army 
was cut to pieces. "Mad " Anthony Wayne, the hero of Stony 
Point (§ 306), was now put in command of the army. He 
defeated a large force of Indians on the Maumee (1794). 
A treaty of peace followed and this region was cleared of 
hostile forces. With greater security, immigrants poured into 



232 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the Ohio region. Kentucky was admitted into the Union in 
1792. Tennessee, still further west and south, came in in 
1796. Vermont had been admitted in 1791, so that at the 
close of Washington's second term, the Union consisted of 
sixteen states. 

355. Foreign Relations. — The Federalist part}- was in strong 
sympathy with the principles and ceremonious methods of the 
English government; the Republicans-^ took the new republic of 
the French for their model, were jealous of the rights of the 
people, opposed all forms and ceremonies, and w^ere afraid that 
the national government would assume too much power. When 
the French became involved in a war with England (1793) they 
asked for assistance from their old friends of the United States. 
Citizen Genet was sent to this country to solicit aid. Many of 
the Federalists sided with England, while the Republicans were 
enthusiastic for France. Washington, after carefully reviewing 
the situation, declared that the United States would be neutral. 
This decision disappointed some of the Federalists, and raised 
an outcry from the Republicans. Genet, after the declaration 
by the president, appealed to the people. He stirred up all the 
ill-feeling he could, and altogether acted in such an insolent 
way that he lost the approval of many Republicans who had 
formerly supported him. Washington objected to Genet's 
course, and he was soon recalled by his government. But the 
feelings that had been aroused during the controversy made 
the differences between the two parties more pronounced. 
Later (in 1795) the treaty with England,^ secured by Chief- 

1 After the Constitution was adopted, and the government for which it provided 
was inaugurated, the term A nti- Federalist was no longer applicable, as all active op- 
position to the Constitution soon ceased. But there was a strong party, led chiefly by 
those who had been Anti-Federalists, who (about 1791) took the name of the " Repub- 
lican " party. This Republican party was therefore the successor of the Anti-Feder- 
alist party. 

2 The treaty contained twenty-eight sections, and held agreements upon many mat- 
ters of dispute between the two countries. Peace was declared established ; the 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



Justice Jay, was bitterly attacked by the Republicans, and 
could not be warmly defended by the Federalists. It was not 
satisfactory to anybody, but Washington thought the terms the 
best that could be obtained at the time. But party-feeling ran 
so high over it that Washington's private character was at- 
tacked, and he became so worried by violent abuse that he 
declared he had rather be in his grave than in the presidency. 

356. The Cotton-Gin. — A government can do nothing but 
plan for the prosperity of the people ; the prosperity is won by 
the industry and good judgment of the people themselves. The 
people of the United States have been not only industrious and 
thrifty but they have been fertile in the invention of labor-sav- 
ing, wealth-producing machinery. One of the most useful 
machines ever invented in our country is the cotton-gin, which 
came into use during Washington's administration. Eli Whit- 
ney, the inventor, was reared in Massachusetts. He spent his 
youth in going to school and in making walking-canes, nails, 
and pins. But after being graduated from Yale College he be- 
came a teacher in the family of General Nathaniel Greene, resid- 
ing near Savannah. While here his attention was called to the 
difficulty of separating the seed of cotton from the fiber. The 
value of cotton in making cloth was well known, and many 
planters 'grew patches of it; but as one man could separate but a 
pound of cotton fiber a day, 
the cloth was very expen- 
sive. Whitney set to work 
to construct a machine that 
would do this task of sepa- 
ration more rapidly. The * — "-W~~" 

result was a cotton-gin Whitney's First contrivance for Pulling off 
("gin" is from engine) the Cotton seeds. 

Mississippi was declared open to both countries ; the northern boundary of the 
United States was again defined ; the injury done American commerce was to be 
paid for, etc. 




234 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



which would separate a thousand pounds of fiber a day. A 
new industry was given to the country. Cotton-growing 
developed in the Southern states till it became their chief 
industry, and now they furnish more cotton than the remainder 
of the world. The manufacture of cotton-cloth became an im- 
portant industry in the New England states. Much of our 
cotton is shipped to England for manufacture. 

357. The Second Term. — When Washington closed his first 
term he was again unanimously elected to the presidency. At 
the end of his second term he was asked to become a candidate 
for a third term, but refused. He kept the respect of the 
better elements of both parties throughout his official life, but 
he was unable to harmonize the differences of the two parties 
as he had hoped to do. 

358. Condition of the Country. — The messenger who car- 
ried Washington the notice of his election rode on horseback. 
The overland traveling of the time was done by means of horses. 
In many sections there were good roads with inns at frequent 
intervals. Steamboats had not been invented, and there was 
not a mile of railway in the United States. News was carried 
by mounted messengers, and of course required considerable 
time to reach all parts of the country. There were no 
telegraph or telephone lines till many years later. Oxen 
and horses were used for drawing loads; mules were very 
rare, the majority of the people never having seen one. 
Cast-iron plows had not been invented, and riding-plows and 
steam-plows were yet many years in the future. A house- 
wife would not have known what to do with a cooking-stove, 
and heating-stoves were extremely rare. Wood was used for 
fuel everywhere but at the forge, where charcoal was substi- 
tuted. One of the school-books, the " New England Primer," 
contained the Lord's Prayer, the catechism, hymns, and so on. 
The pupil wrote with a quill pen made by the teacher, or by 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



himself, if he was skillful enough. Slate-pencils were whittled 
out of "soap" stone. Lead was sometimes used for marking; 
our graphite "lead" pencil was unknown. New York, the 
first capital of our country, had a population of about fifty 
thousand souls. 

359. Summary. — When the first president took his seat our population 
was not quite four millions. The first cabinet was formed by the selection of 
leaders from both parties. The financial policy proposed by Hamilton gave 
us money to pay our debts and establish our credit with other nations. 
After the Indians were defeated emigration to the western country increased 
rapidly. Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee were admitted to the Union. 
A new treaty was made with England, The cotton-gin was invented, and 
cotton eventually became the chief crop of the Southern states. 

360. Thought Questions. — Name the leading political parties to-day. 
Which one corresponds most closely in its beliefs to the Federalist party ? 
to the Anti-Federalist party ? What was our total public debt at the 
beginning of Washington's administration ? Compare this with the 
national debt to-day. What do you think of Washington's refusal to aid 
France ? Give reasons for your opinion. What do you consider the most 
important event of this administration ? Why ? 

John Adams's Administration. 
One Term: 1797-1801. 

361. Services and Character of the New President. — 

John Adams, of Massachusetts, was one of the ablest and most 
fearless of the Revolutionary patriots. In all the stormy scenes 
preceding the Declaration of Independence, he played an 
important part. He was a delegate to both of the Continental 
Congresses. He was the chief debater in defending the Declara- 
tion of Independence before Congress. He urged the selection 
of Washington for commander-in-chief of the army. He was 
minister to France in 1778. He was one of the commis- 
sioners who arranged a treaty of peace with Great Britain after 



236 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



our independence was acknowledged. In 1785, Congress sent 
him as minister to England, and the king had to receive as 
our representative a conspicuous leader of the revolution that 
had lost the crown the American colonies. He was the first 
vice-president and was a member of the Federalist party. 

362. Change of the Capital. — Adams was inaugurated in 
Philadelphia, to which place the capital had been removed from 
New York. But during this administration the capital was 
permanently located at a site on the Potomac that had been 




Washington I 00 Years Ago. 



chosen by Washington. This site was at the time nothing but 
a straggling settlement, neighbors being as much as a mile 
apart. The District of Columbia, in which the capital is 
situated, was presented to the United States by Virginia and 
Maryland. It was originally a district ten miles square, on 
both banks of the Potomac. The Virginia grant, on the 
southern bank, was afterwards returned. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



363. Renewed Trouble with France. — Early in Adams's 
administration, the trouble with France took a more serious 
turn. The Directory/ feeling incensed that the United States 
persisted in a neutral course, ordered our minister out of the 
country. The president called an extra session of Congress, 
and laid the matter before this body. It was decided to send 
an embassy to France to treat with the Directory if any reason- 
able terms could be made. Three envoys, two Federalists and 
one Republican, were sent to France. They were coldly 
received, and little attempt was made by the Directory to reach 




Washington at the Present Tinne. 



an agreement. Finally the envoys were informed in a rounda- 
bout way that if the United States would pay a certain sum of 
money, a satisfactory treaty would be made. The envoys 
indignantly rejected the idea of paying money in the way of a 
bribe. One of them ^ said the United States " would raise mil- 

1 France had just gone through a bloody revolution, and had dethroned and be- 
headed her king. A new constitution had been adopted which placed the executive 
branch of the government in the hands of a Directory composed of five members. 

2 Charles Pinckney. 



238 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

lions for defense, but not one cent for tribute." The two 
Federalist envoys were ordered out of the country, but Elbridge 
Gerry, who was a Republican, was invited to remain. In a short 
time, however, this last envoy came home without having effected 
anything. In the meantime, whenever opportunity offered, the 
French vessels captured American merchantmen on the high 




John Adams. 



seas and took them home and sold their cargoes. These 
things meant war, and the United States prudently began to 
defend herself. The treaties with France were annulled. 
American men-of-war were directed to capture any French 
vessel that interfered with our commerce. Steps were taken 
to raise an army, and Washington was made commander-in- 
chief.-^ 

^ During Jackson's administration France paid ^5,000,000 for the injury done our 
commerce at this time. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



364. Death of Washington. — But Washington's services to 
his country were ended. He died December 14, 1799. The 
whole country went into mourning. England and France 
made public acknowledgment of their great respect for him. 
One of the resolutions introduced in Congress said he was 
"first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his 
fellow-citizens." No one has arisen to dispute this proud posi- 
tion with him. 

365. The Alien and Sedition Laws.- — At the same time. 
Congress made two laws that ought never to have been proposed. 
The Alien Law authorized the president to banish, without 
trial, any foreigner whom he thought dangerous to the peace 
and liberty of the country. The Sedition Law imposed a 
heavy fine upon those who should combine or conspire to- 
gether to oppose any measure of government, and upon those 
who should utter any false, scandalous, or malicious writings 
against the authorities of our government. 

366. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. — The Alien 
and Sedition Laws had been bitterly opposed by the Republi- 
cans in Congress. It was held that the Sedition Law was an 
open violation of the first amendment of the Constitution, and 
that the right of trial by jury that was guaranteed by the Con- 
stitution was denied in the Alien Law. Prosecutions ^ under the 
Sedition Law aroused the fiercest indignation. The matter 
was taken up by the Legislatures of Virginia and Kentucky. 
These Legislatures declared in resolutions ^ that the Union was 
a compact between the states, and that beyond the well-defined 
powers delegated to it the general government had no right to 

^ Matthew Lyon, of Vermont, while a candidate for Congress, was arrested for 
accusing the president of having a "thirst for ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation, 
and selfish avarice." He was imprisoned and fined. He was elected to Congress, 
but was obliged to serve his term of imprisonment before he could take his seat. 
Editors of several papers were imprisoned and fined for criticising the administration. 

2 Madison wrote the Virginia Resolutions ; Jefferson, the Kentucky Resolutions. 



240 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Step ; that the Alien and Sedition Laws were an usurpation of 
power in direct violation of the Constitution ; that it was the 
duty of the states to interpose and maintain their rights against 
the encroachment of the federal power. They asserted the 
right of the states to judge of violations of the Constitution 
and of the mode and measure of redress. The two laws caused 
the defeat of the Federalist party, that had passed them and 
was active in their execution. 

367. A New Treaty. — In 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte, who 
had secured control of the French government, received a new 
embassy from our country in the most cordial manner. A 
treaty vowing " firm and universal peace " between France and 
the United States was soon effected. The question of pay- 
ment for the confiscation of some of our merchant-vessels was 
left to future negotiation. 

368. Election of a New President. — The Constitution pro- 
vided that the electors should vote for two candidates for presi- 
dent ; that the candidate receiving the highest number of votes — 
if a majority — should be president, and the one receiving the 
next highest number should be vice-president. In the election 
of a successor to Adams, Jefferson and Burr, both belonging to 
the same party, each had a majority of the votes, each receiving 
seventy-three. It fell upon the House of Representatives to 
decide between them, each state having one vote. In the 
House, Jefferson had the greater number of votes from the 
beginning, but it was some time before he had a majority of 
all the votes. Burr became vice-president. It was seen that 
our method of electing a president was very faulty. The Con- 
stitution was amended (1804), so that electors vote for presi- 
dent and vice-president separately. 

369. Summary. — Washington, on the Potomac, became the capital. 
France, mider the Directory, refused all reasonable terms for a treaty. Prep- 
arations for war were made by the United States. When Napoleon gained 




THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



241 



control a treaty was made. Washington died December 14, 1799. The Alien 
and Sedition Laws, granting arbitrary powers to the president and to the 
courts, were passed by the Federalist party, then in power. Indignation 
against these laws led to the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, which 
declared the laws unconstitutional and beyond the rightful power of Con- 
gress to enact. The election of a president was thrown into the House ; 
Jefferson was elected. 

370. Thought Questions. — Why was not the new capital placed farther 
west What provision in the first amendment of the Constitution was 
violated by the Sedition Law.'' Which amendment was violated by the 
Alien Law In the Kentucky Resolutions, what was meant by the " mode 
and measure of redress" for violations of the Constitution.? The Repub- 
lican electors of 1800 wanted Burr for vice-president ; how did it happen 
that their votes made a tie between him and Jefferson for president ? What 
do you consider the most important event of this administration ? Why ? 

Jefferson's Administration. 
Two Terms: 1801-1809. 

371. Services and Character of the New President. — 

Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, had been a prominent member 
of the Continental Congress. He was the author of the Declara- 
tion of Independence. He was the founder of the University 
of Virginia. He was governor of Virginia during part of the 
Revolutionary War. He was one of the commissioners sent to 
Europe, after our independence was declared, to treat with 
European powers. He succeeded Franklin as our minister to 
France. He was secretary of state in Washington's cabinet. 
He was vice-president under Adams. 

372. Republican Simplicity. — Jefferson was the first presi- 
dent elected by the Republican or Democratic party. He was 
inaugurated in the new capital at Washington. Previous in- 
augurations had been conducted with a great deal of ceremony. 
But Jefferson, one of the most dignified of men, disapproved of 
all forms and ceremonies. Former presidents had held recep- 



242 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



tions conducted with great formality ; but Jefferson was readily 
accessible to the humblest citizen. He received foreign minis- 
ters in a simple, matter-of-fact way that was very wounding to 
their vanity. He had declared that all men are created equal ; 
he looked upon a public officer as a public servant, and conse- 
quently he could see no reason why office-holding should be 
marked with pomp and haughty behavior. 

373. Trouble with the Pirates of the Mediterranean. — 

Along the north coast of Africa bands of Mahometan pirates 
had intrenched themselves. They sailed forth from their ports 
and harbors and captured the rich merchant-vessels from other 
countries. European nations had ceased resisting them by 
force of arms, and had adopted the method of paying yearly 
tribute as a means of buying protection for their trading-ves- 
sels. American commerce and American citizens had suffered 
very much from them. Some of our vessels had been captured 
and confiscated and the seamen sold into slavery. The United 
States had paid tribute for some years for protection and had 
used large sums of money in paying the ransom of captives. 
Finally, the demands of the pirates grew to such unreasonable 
amounts that our government refused to pay them. Then the 
Pasha of Tripoli declared war against the United States. In 
1803, a number of our war-vessels were sent to the Mediterra- 
nean to bring the pirates to terms. Our seamen showed great 
skill and courage and made our prowess respected by Euro- 
pean nations. Lieutenant Decatur, particularly, distinguished 
himself. The frigate Philadelphia chased one of the pirate 
vessels out of the open sea to the protection of the batteries of 
Tripoli. But in the pursuit, the Philadelphia ran on a reef and 
fell an easy prey to the pirates. The officers of the frigate 
were held in captivity. The Mahometans then manned the 
vessel with their own people and added it to their fleet. Some 
months later, in a small vessel, with only seventy-four men. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



Decatur surprised the Philadelphia at night and killed or drove 
away all of the pirate crew. Then the vessel was set on 
fire. As Decatur sailed away in the light of the flames, he was 
fired upon by all the available guns of the fort ; but not a man 
was killed. Later, the whole American fleet appeared before 
Tripoli and besieged it. A land force of the Pasha's enemies 
had also been enlisted in the service of America. Tripoli could 
not hope to withstand the double attack and the Pasha sued for 
peace. A treaty, was made in 1805 that gave us immunity from 
these annoying and destructive depredations. So that a new 
nation, from another continent, had done more to subdue the 
pirates than the old European nations had done with the buc- 
caneers at their own doors. 

374. Ohio Admitted. — In 1802, some territory west of 
Pennsylvania was admitted into the Union as the State of 
Ohio. It was the first state cut out of the great Northwest 
Territory (§ 330). 

375. The Louisiana Purchase. — When Jefferson became 
president the Mississippi was the extreme limit of our country 
on the west. Spain owned the great territory of Louisiana, 
lying west of the Mississippi. This territory included New 
Orleans and the mouth of the Mississippi ; and in those days, 
when wars were so frequent and railroads unheard of, the con- 
trol of a great river on the border of a country was vital to its 
interests. We have seen (§ 333) how the proposed surrender 
of the navigation of the Mississippi aroused the people of the 
West. In 1800, the territory of Louisiana was ceded back to 
France. President Jefferson thought it would be bad policy 
to allow our country to be hemmed in by a powerful European 
nation. In 1803, an attempt was made to purchase a part of 
the territory, including New Orleans and the mouth of the 
Mississippi. Napoleon, who was involved in a war with Eng- 
land, stood in much greater need of money than he did of 



244 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Louisiana ; and he offered to sell the whole territory. The 
United States was glad enough to buy. The price paid was 
fifteen million dollars. For this sum, the United States bought 
a great territory that extended from the Gulf to the source of 
the Mississippi and from the Mississippi to the Rocky Moun- 
tains. The territory gained contained nearly a million square 
miles, and was larger than the United States itself. By this 
purchase, it became possible for the United States to develop 
into one of the great nations of the earth. 

376. The Lewis and Clarke Expedition — Some of this 
vast territory is very little known in our own day ; ninety years 
ago only its eastern border had been explored. But the presi- 
dent resolved to gain all the information that he could about 
the region. He arranged to send an exploring expedition out 
into the wild country. The expedition consisted of thirty men 
commanded by Captains Lewis and Clarke. They left St. 
Louis in the fall of 1803, and ascended the Missouri River in 
boats. They were the first white men to see the great falls 
near the source. They crossed through a pass in the moun- 
tains and descended the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. 
They returned to civilization after an absence of nearly three 
years, having lost but one man.^ Because of this exploration 
the United States claimed the Oregon territory. 

377. Trouble with England: The Embargo. — The war 

which was going on between England and France involved 
most of the European countries and caused the United States 
considerable loss and annoyance. Each nation had prohibited 
all trade with the other, and claimed the right to confiscate all 
vessels engaged in such trade. Of course, this made American 
vessels liable to seizure at any time by one or the other of the 
enemies. Besides this, England claimed the right to search all 

1 The history of this expedition, printed by Harper & Brothers, is a very inter- 
esting, true story of exploration and adventure. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



245 



American vessels and take from them any English seamen that 
might be found among their crews. Officers were, of course, 
not very careful to distinguish between English-born and 
American-born seamen. Several hundred men were seized 
within a year. The frigate Chesapeake refused to be searched 
by the officers of an English man-of-war. It was fired upon, 
searched, and some of its crew taken away. Retaliation could 
no longer be deferred. Congress decreed that no American 
vessels should carry goods to foreign countries. It was hoped 
that this embargo would materially injure both England and 
France ; but it hurt the United States more than it did either 
of them. As New England was more heavily engaged in 
foreign commerce than any other section of the country, it suf- 
ferred the most. New York City was the chief port of entry of 
the country; this embargo brought its commerce to a stop and 
ruin stared it in the face. After a little more than a year's 
trial the act was repealed and a new act called the non-inter- 
course act, allowing commerce with all nations except England 
and France, was passed. 

378. Aaron Burr's Treason. — Aaron Burr, a brilHant but 
unprincipled man, had been vice-president during Jefferson's 
first term. He and Hamilton became bitter political rivals. 
The feeling on Burr's side grew to such intensity that he chal- 
lenged Hamilton to a duel : in the encounter he shot Hamil- 
ton, who did not attempt to harm Burr. Afterward he was sus- 
pected of forming a conspiracy to detach some of the south- 
western states and form a new nation, of which he should be 
the chief officer. He was arrested and tried for treason. 
Though the charge could not be proven in the courts, the pub- 
lic believed it true and he lost the respect of every one. 

379. Importation of Slaves. — In 1807, Congress forbade 
the importation of slaves after the beginning of 1808. Slaves 
were still bought and sold in our own territory ; but negroes cap- 



246 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



tured in Africa could no longer legally be brought to the 
United States and sold into slavery. Jefferson and the leaders 
of both parties looked forward to the gradual emancipation of 
slaves already on our soil. 

380. The First Steamboat. — After the steam engine was 
invented in England, attempts were made in all civilized coun- 
tries to apply steam-power to boats. The first successful 
steamboat was the creation of an American, Robert Fulton. 

His boat, called the " Clermont," 
was a rude affair, with uncovered 
wheels on the sides, showing no 
architectural beauty, and carrying 
sails to aid the new power. The 
people had no faith in its success 
while it was being built and 
derisively named it Fulton's Folly. 
Fulton announced that on a certain 
day he would start from New York 
for Albany, and great crowds gath- 
ered at the wharves to see what 
would happen. At the appointed 
time, the boat steamed off up the 
river and made the journey to Albany in thirty-two hours. 
Steamboats multiplied rapidly from this time, and by their means 
our commerce was developed with enormous rapidity. There 
were no railroads in the country at the time ; our carrying agents 
were wagon trains, flat boats, (rude rafts) pulled or rowed up 
and down the rivers, and sail-boats on the lakes and coasts. 
Steamboats were put on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and 
were instrumental in hastening greatly the development of the 
western country. With the growth of railroads later, steamboats 
became less and less useful in domestic commerce, and are 
gradually disappearing from our rivers. 




The " Clermont." 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



247 



381. Summary. — Jefferson adopted simple manners and customs in 
his bearing as president. Tiie pirates of the Mediterranean were defeated 
by our ships and our commerce was freed from their robberies. The State 
of Ohio was admitted into the Union. Louisiana, a territory lying west of 
the Mississippi and extending to the Rocky Mountains, was purchased from 
France at a cost of #i 5,000,000. Lewis and Clarke led a party out into 
this wilderness and penetrated through to the western coast. They pre- 
pared a description of the country they had explored. Trouble with Eng- 
land caused an embargo to be laid upon our commerce. This proved to be 
a very unpopular measure, and after a little more than a year it was re- 
pealed. Aaron Burr shot Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Further impor- 
tation of slaves was prohibited. Robert Fulton invented the first steam- 
boat. The administration is chiefly noted for the growing prosperity of 
the country and the great extension of its limits. 

382. Thought Questions. — By what nation was Louisiana first claimed ? 
When did it pass into the hands of Spain ? Why was this transfer made ? 
When and to whom was the second transfer made ? The third ? Give 
two reasons why the United States was anxious to get Louisiana. If 
Louisiana had fallen into the hands of England, would the United States 
have been able to acquire it ? Why was the Embargo Act so unpopular ? 
What does the Constitution say about the importation of slaves ? What 
do you consider the most important event of this administration ? Why? 



Madison's Administration. 

Two Terms: 1809-1817. 

383. Services and Character of the New President. — 

Three members of the Republican party, James Madison and 
James Monroe, both of Virginia, and De Witt Clinton, of New 
York, were conspicuous candidates for the presidency; but 
Jefferson preferred Madison, as his views were known to 
harmonize with those of the retiring president; and he was 
the one elected. The new president was one of the most 
distinguished statesmen of the day. He had served his state 
in the state Legislature, the Continental Congress, the constitu- 
tional convention, and the national Congress. He was secre- 



248 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



tary of state during Jefferson's two terms as president. He 
was the author of many of the Federalist'^ papers, of the 
Virginia Bill of Rights, and of the Virginia Resolutions 
(§ 366), — all enlightened and significant writings, important in 
their times, and destined to influence the future course of the 




James Madison. 

republic. He received nearly three-fourths of the electoral 
votes, but forty votes fewer than Jefferson had received for 
his second term. 

384. The Condition that Confronted the Administration. — 

Jefferson had been unable to settle the disputes with England 
and France; and Madison fell heir to them, and was expected to 
pursue the same policy in regard to them. The method of this 
policy was to avoid war, and to seek to gain what we wanted by 

1 See footnote, p. 228. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



249 



diplomacy and commercial retaliations. England had forbid- 
den our ships to trade with France and her allies, and France 
had laid the same prohibition on our commerce in regard to 
England and her allies; our Congress had sought to retaliate, 
first, by prohibiting all foreign commerce, and afterward by lim- 
iting the prohibition to England and France.^ The people of 
the northeastern states were largely engaged in commerce, and 
they suffered heavily under this condition of things; it became 
a vital national matter to afford relief. 

385. The Process of Relief. — Madison, shortly after his inau- 
guration, entered into an agreement with the British minister by 
the terms of which commercial relations with England were to 
be resumed. Immediately upon the announcement of this 
agreement more than a thousand of our vessels, heavily laden 
with precious cargoes, sailed from our ports for foreign shores. 
But England promptly repudiated her minister's agreement, and 
reasserted the former provisions and restrictions; and only the 
vessels that had been fortunate enough to get away upon the 
first announcement of the agreement were allowed to sail un- 
molested. Then negotiations were opened with France, and 
terms were offered us that seemed to make some concessions, 
and we accepted. But the result was even worse than in the 
English agreement, for we gained no real commercial conces- 
sions, and we further offended and alienated England. Eng- 
land seemed to play with us, and France duped us, and the 
result of the negotiations was nothing but humiliation and ex- 
asperation. A feeling was growing that our interests and our 
honor demanded stronger measures. 

386. The Tippecanoe Incident. — In 18 1 1, through the imme- 
diate influence of the great chief, Tecumseh, the Indian tribes of 

^ England and France were at war ; the United States had declared herself neu- 
tral ; neither country was wiUing that we should sell any kind of supplies to the 
other. 



250 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the Northwest united in a great uprising. Their purpose was to 
drive the white settlers from the country. 
General Harrison was sent against the 
Indians. He was surprised at night in 
his camp at Tippecanoe, in the Territory 
of Indiana; but his men rallied quickly 
and defeated the Indians with great 
slaughter. It was believed that English 
agents had encouraged the Indians with 
arms and advice, and the feeling against 
England in the West was intense. 

387. The Wrongs to our Seamen. — England continued to 
seize seamen from our ships and force them into her own service. 
During the seven years preceding this time more than four j 
thousand American seamen had been taken from American 
ships and pressed into British service. She also continued to 
seize our merchant vessels as prizes, and finally became so 
insolent as to enter our own waters and capture some of our 
ships. 

388. The Declaration of War. — The time was ripe for war. 
Years of negotiations and retaliatory legislation had gained us 
nothing. Those of our merchant vessels that ventured beyond 
our ports were captured and confiscated, and our seamen were 
taken from our ships and forced to serve England in her war 
against France. The Tippecanoe incident, and the discovery 
of the Henry letters,^ purporting to reveal a plot of the governor 
of Canada secretly to influence New England to secede from 

1 Henry represented himself to have lived a few years in New England as the 
secret agent of Canada and England, acting under instructions to note the signs and 
expressions of discontent with the administration of affairs in the United States, and 
of New England's leaning toward the mother-country ; and further, to use his influence 
in increasing the discontent and strengthening the regard for England. He claimed 
to be able to prove these things by authentic official letters in his possession. The 
president paid him $50,000 for the letters. A 




PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



251 



the Union and annex itself to Canada, caused great excitement. 
Those who had been opposed to war — including the presi- 
dent — were obliged, finally, to abandon their position and join 
the war party. In a speech before Congress, Henry Clay asked, 
"What are we not to lose by peace? Commerce, character, a 
nation's best treasure, honor." War was declared in June, 18 12. 



389. The First Movement against Canada. — General Hull, 
governor of Michigan Territory, an old officer of Revolutionary 
fame, was instructed to invade Canada. But the general was 
inefficient and cowardly. He was besieged in Detroit by a force 



than a weak defense of our coast. England was, at this time, 
the greatest maritime power in the world. She had nearly a 

1 General Hull was afterwards tried by a court of army officers on the charge of 
treason, cowardice, and conduct unbecoming an ofificer, convicted on the two latter 
charges, and sentenced to be shot. President Madison pardoned him in considera- 
tion of his services in the Revolution. 



SECOND WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN 



Events of 1812. 




of British and Indians, and 
without firing a gun sur- 
rendered Detroit and Mich- 
igan (August 1 6), thereby 
covering his name with 
shame ^ and greatly discour- 
aging the American army. 



Isaac Hull, 



390. The First Sea 
Fight. — At this time the 
American people believed 
that they could march into 
Canada and easily conquer 
it, but so far as sea fighting 
was concerned they had little 
hope of accomplishing more 



252 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



thousand ships manned with veteran crews, while the United 
States had but twelve men-of-war, and some of them had been 
hastily and imperfectly manned.^ But in the first decisive 
engagement we gained such a signal victory that we took heart 
and prepared for greater enterprises. One of our warships, 
the Constitution^ commanded by Captain Isaac Hull,^ while 
cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, fell in with the English 
warship Guerriere. The Guerriere, after an engagement last- 
ing about an hour, surrendered. The prisoners were taken to 
Boston, and Captain Hull and his officers were feasted at 
Faneuil Hall. The Constitution^ after this victory, was named 
Old Ironsides^ and became a famous ship.^ 

391. Continuation of the Contest on the Sea. — Our next 
important victory was gained by the sloop-of-war Wasp. This 
vessel, cruising off the coast of North Carolina, fell in with 
a fleet of English merchantmen under the convoy of the brig 
Frolic. The Frolic was much better armed and equipped 
than the Wasp, but after a desperate encounter the Americans 
boarded the English ship, and themselves hauled down the 
English colors. The firing had hardly ceased when a pow- 
erful English man-of-war appeared in sight, and it at once 
took possession of the Wasp and its prizes. But the moral 
effect of the Wasp's victory against such odds remained to 
encourage our seamen. And, indeed, the effect was soon to 
be seen. Our captains attacked English vessels against great 
odds ; and fights occurred between English and American 
vessels all along our coast, and even in the waters of the 
Gulf and on the South American coast. The Americans were 

1 " The American navy consisted of twelve vessels, the largest of which were the 
three 44-gun frigates United States, Constitution, and President. The British navy 
was composed of 830 vessels, of which 230 were larger than any of the American 
ships." Prof. A. B. Hart, " Formation of the Union." 

2 Captain Hull was a nephew of the General Hull who had failed so signally at 
Detroit, and was a brave and efficient ofificer. 

3 See Oliver Wendell Holmes's poem, " Old Ironsides." 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



almost uniformly successful. During the year almost three hun- 
dred prizes, carrying valuable cargoes and manned by more than 
three thousand men, were captured by American cruisers. All 
Europe was greatly astonished at our success in fighting the 
Mistress of the Seas," and England herself was astounded. 

392. The Invasion of Canada. — While our ships were so 
fortunately engaged upon the ocean, another invasion of Canada 

was attempted. 
General Van 
Rensselaer led 
a body of troops 
to the Niagara 
frontier of New 
York and pre- 
pared to cross 
over into Can- 
ada. Colonel 
Van Rensselaer 
with a thousand 
men did cross over, and in a sharp engagement dislodged the 
English from Queenstown Heights, and took possession of the 
batteries.^ The English, however, sent for reenforcements, and 
as the American militiamen who remained on the New York 
side would not go over to succor their gallant comrades,^ after 
severe losses. Colonel Van Rensselaer was obliged to surren- 
der. General Van Rensselaer, disgusted with troops so inde- 
pendent and undisciplined, resigned command, and was replaced 
with General Smyth, of Virginia. General Smyth issued some 
fiery proclamations, and made a show of a dashing campaign ; 

1 Colonel Van Rensselaer was wounded as his forces were trying to effect a land- 
ing on the Canadian side, and the Americans were led by subordinate officers. Gen- 
eral Brock, to whom General Hull had surrendered at Detroit, was still in command 
of the English troops in the attempt to retake Queenstown. 

2 These militiamen insisted that they had joined the army to protect the American 
border, but not to invade foreign territory. 




254 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



but in the end he proved absolutely ineffective, and was re- 
moved after the fall had passed away and nothing had been 
accomplished. The invasion of Canada was, so far, a dismal 
failure. 

393. Madison's Reelection. — The Federal party generally, 
and the members of it in New England in particular, were 
strongly opposed to the continuance of the war; but the Re- 
publican party was committed to it, and was enthusiastic in 
prosecuting it. In the fall of this year Madison was renomi- 
nated by the Republicans, and was reelected, receiving 128 of 
the 2 1 7 electoral votes. 



1813. 



394. Off the Atlantic Coast. — Captain Lawrence of the 
Hornet, as a reward for his victory over the British brig Pea- 
cock^ was placed in command of 
the Chesapeake, one of our best 
frigates. The ship was laid up 
in Boston harbor to be repaired 
and refitted. The crew had not 
yet been trained and disciplined 
for their duties, several of the 
sailors were sick, and there was 
much dissatisfaction because of 
delayed pay. But Lawrence had 
been made over-confident by pre- 
vious success, and in this poor 
condition he sailed out of the 
harbor and attacked the British 
A dreadful combat ensued, in which both 




James Lawrence. 



frigate Sha7i7ton. 

1 The sloop-of-war Hornet, commanded by Captain Lawrence, and the British brig 
Peacock had a terrific battle of a few minutes. The Peacock was disabled and struck 
her colors. The brig was damaged more than was thought and sank suddenly, en- 
gulfing nine British seamen and three Americans. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



ships suffered severely, and in which Lawrence was mortally 
wounded. As the brave captain was carried below decks, 
with almost his last breath he cried to his men, " Don't give 
up the ship." Victory rested with the English, however, and 
the Shannon^ greatly damaged, towed the shattered Chesapeake 
to Halifax, where Lawrence was buried with military honors.^ 

395. Plans for the Invasion of Canada. — The land forces 
were this year organized in three divisions : The Army of the 
North, under General Hampton, was to march by way of Lake 
Champlain; the Army of the Center, under the command of 
Major-General Dearborn, was to take the old Niagara course ; 
the Army of the West, under General Harrison, was to recover 
Michigan for us and again invade Canada by the way of De- 
troit. All these armies were to be aided by a greatly strength- 
ened navy of the Lakes. Let us examine the western movement 
first. 

396. The Raisin River Massacre. — An advance force of 
General Harrison's army drove a body of English and Indians 
out of Frenchtown, on the Raisin River, and captured the 
town. (See map, p. 253.) Shortly afterward a large force 
of English and Indians, under Colonel Proctor, returned to 
Frenchtown and attacked the Americans. Under a pledge of 
protection, our forces surrendered. Colonel Proctor immedi- 
ately returned to Maiden, and left the prisoners at the mercy 
of the savages. A large proportion of the captives were killed 
by tomahawk, knife, or fire, while some of them were, dragged 
to Detroit and sold to Americans for heavy ransoms. 

397. Fort Meigs. — General Harrison, checked by the 
Raisin River misfortune, built Fort Meigs (Fort Defiance on 
map) on the Maumee and retired to it. Here he was besieged 
by a large force of British and Indians, under General Proctor 

1 His remains now rest in Trinity churchyard, New York City. 



256 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY, 



and Tecumseh. During the siege a detachment of a relief 
party of Kentuckians was cut off from the main body and 
cruelly massacred after the manner of the Frenchtown out- 
rage. But the attacking party was obliged to abandon the 
siege. It retired to Maiden. In the latter part of July Proc- 
tor and Tecumseh, with a force twice as large as before, re- 
turned to the siege. Failing to take the fort and also to entice 
the Americans into the open, General Proctor took part of his 
force and marched away to attack Fort Stephenson (Sandusky 
on map). This fort was defended by one hundred and sixty 
men, under Captain Crogan, a young man just twenty-one. Upon 
the demand to surrender, the gallant captain answered that he 
would defend the fort so long as there was a man alive within 
its walls. Cannonading producing no important effect, the Eng- 
lish made an assault to carry the fort by storm. The only gun 
the fort contained had been masked in position to control the 
trench that surrounded the w^alls; the attacking party, when it 
came within range, was almost entirely swept away by a charge 
from this single gun. After this deadly repulse, General Proc- 
tor, fearing that he would be attacked by a relief part}^ under 
General Harrison, again retired to Maiden. 

398. The Victory on Lake Erie. — In September of this 
year, Captain Perry with a fleet of nine vessels, five of which 

he had just built on the shore of 
Lake Erie, sailed out into the lake 
and engaged an English fleet. Perry's 
own ship, the Lawrence, bearing the 
flag, " Don't give up the ship,'' was 
so cut to pieces that it had to be 
abandoned. Perry had to pass by 
some of the enemy's ships in reach- 
ing the Niagara of his own fleet. 
He carried his fias; in one hand, 




PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



257 



and in an open boat made a near and conspicuous target for 
the fire of the enemy. But he made the passage safely. In 
a few minutes after Perry 
reached the Niagara the 
fight was over, and the brave 
young captain returned to 
the shattered Lawrence to 
receive the surrender of the 
English fleet. Perry's des- 
patch, describing the con- 
test, was as brief and abso- 
lute in its way as the combat 
had been in another way : 
— " We have met the enemy 
and they are ours — two 
ships, two brigs, one schoon- 
er, and one sloop." ^ The victory gave us control of Lake Erie, 




Oliver Hazard Perry. 



399. The Thames Victory. — General Harrison was quick 
to seize the advantage of Perry's victory; he immediately 
crossed the lake to attack the English and Indians at Maiden. 
He found Maiden deserted, however. Proctor and Tecumseh 
having retreated with their forces. The Americans entered on 
a hot pursuit, and overtook the enemy at the Thames river. 
In the battle that ensued the British were defeated and obliged 
to surrender. Colonel Proctor escaped by flight. Tecumseh 
was shot during the battle, and the Indians fled in confusion. 
The western movement resulted in clearing Lake Erie, recov- 
ering Michigan, and administering a severe defeat to the enemy 
on his own soil. Captain Perry and General Harrison became 
the heroes of the nation. 



1 The British had fewer vessels, but better ones, and more men, and more but 
smaller guns. The English captain was one of Nelson's veterans, while Perry had 
never seen a naval engagement in his life. 



258 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

400. The Movement in the East. — The armies of the Cen- 
ter and of the North gained us no important victories. The 
Army of the Center embarked from Sackett's Harbor and 
crossed the lake for the purpose of capturing Toronto. In 
this movement they were successful, capturing the town, tak- 
ing many prisoners and securing much valuable property. The 
army then returned to Sackett's Harbor to find that it had 
been attacked in their absence, but successfully defended by 
the garrison left there. Late in the next month (May) the 
army again crossed to the Canadian side and took some minor 
posts. But this time they were attacked by a large English 
force, and . had enough to do to defend themselves. A pian 
was now formed to unite the armies of the Center and of the 
North and attack Montreal. The Army of the Center sailed 
down the St. Lawrence to make the junction.-^ The troops were 
disembarked at St. Regis, where it was expected the Army of 
the North would soon join them. But the Army of the North 
had not moved, and the plan to invade Canada by this route 
had to be abandoned for the season. 

401. On the Sea. — The contest was waged upon the sea 
more fiercely, perhaps, than upon land. But on the American 
side there was small equipment and little organization, our suc- 
cesses coming from the courage and enterprise of our seamen. 
Many English merchantmen were captured. But the English 
were quick to retaliate, and often went beyond just bounds in 
trying to punish us. They captured some of our men-of-war. 
Several defenseless villages along Chesapeake Bay were wan- 
tonly bombarded and destroyed. The Carolina and Virginia 
coasts were ravaged after the manner in which freebooters 
would conduct a campaign. 

1 In order to drive away the British and Indians, who were gathering in bands 
along the river bank to obstruct the progress of the fleet, a force was landed, and an 
engagement resulted. There were heavy losses on both sides — about three hundred 
on the American side — and nothing decisive gained. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



259 



402. The Creek Uprising. — The Creek Indians, a power- 
ful tribe in Alabama, incited to violence by Tecumseh and his 
brother, the Prophet, fell upon the garrison at Fort Mimms and 
massacred more than four hundred people, sparing neither men, 
women, nor children. Immediate preparations were made by 
the southwestern states to march against the Indians. Gen- 
eral Jackson, with a force of Tennesseeans, was the first in the 
field. He drove the Indians before him, defeated them in sev- 
eral hard-fought battles, and burned one of their villages. 
Finally the Indian forces concentrated for a great battle, and 
the engagement took place at Horseshoe Bend,^ on a branch of 
the Alabama River (January 27, 18 14). The Indians suffered a 
bloody defeat, and surrendered to Jackson on his own terms. 

1814. 

403. The Last Invasion of Canada. — July 3, Generals 
Scott and Ripley, leading the Army of the Center, crossed the 
Niagara river into Canada. They met the English force near 
Chippewa, and a hotly contested battle ensued. The English 
were defeated, and retreated down the river to Queenstown. 
In sight of Niagara Falls, General Scott, with a division of the 
army, met the English forces again. General Scott, though 
greatly outnumbered, heroically held his position until reen- 
forced by the other divisions. The fighting was desperate and 
very destructive to both sides. The Americans distinguished 
themselves by daring generalship and dogged endurance. The 
English were at last driven from the field with a loss of nearly 
a thousand men; the American losses were nearly as great. 
The Americans had much the smaller force. 

404. The Siege of Fort Erie. — The Americans fell back to 
Fort Erie. Soon the English, reenforced, moved forward and 
invested the fort. About the middle of September, after hav- 

1 Sam Houston, afterward prominent in Texas history, was wounded in this battle. 



26o 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



ing besieged the fort for more than a month, the English, hear- 
ing that a division of the Army of the North was on the way to 

the rehef of the fort, raised the 
siege and retired to Fort George. 
Early in November the Americans 
burned Fort Erie, and recrossed 
the Niagara and went into winter 
quarters. 

405. The Battle of Lake 
Champlain. — When the division 
of the Army of the North was 
taken to the relief of Fort Erie 
about fifteen hundred troops were 
left to hold Plattsburgh, on Lake 
Champlain. Hearing of the re- 
duced force at Plattsburgh, the 
English decided to seize the opportunity to get control of 
Lake Champlain. General Prevost, with fourteen thousand 
men, marched into New York to attack Plattsburgh, while an 
English fleet was to attack Commodore McDonough's squadron 
on the lake.-^ Fighting began on the lake first, and the Ameri- 
cans achieved a signal victory; several of the English ships 
surrendered, but some of the smaller ones fled, and escaped 
pursuit because our own ships were too badly damaged to 
chase them. In the meantime, the small laad force had held 
the fourteen thousand English veterans in check, and when the 
news of the American victory on the lake reached the English 
general he retreated under the enthusiastic charge of the re- 
joicing militia, leaving his sick and wounded and his military 
stores, and made haste to get back into Canada, 

1 The English squadron had more men and more guns. One of McDonough's 
vessels had just been built, within twenty days, on the bank of the lake. 




PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



261 



406. Along the Coast. — The blockade which had been put 
upon the southern coast the previous year was now extended 
to the northern coast. Several small towns near the seaboard 
had been captured and destroyed. In August a British fleet ^ 
of twenty-one vessels reached our country and landed on the 
Maryland shore an army of five 



thousand men, whose purpose was 
to capture Washington. A force of 
militia and marines was put forward 
to intercept them, but it was defeated. 
The English suddenly appeared at 
the capitol, captured the president's 
dinner, which he had just left, and 
came near capturing the president 
himself. The capitol buildings and 
some private residences were burned. 
General Ross, who commanded the 
land force, then marched his army 




against Baltimore, and instructed 

the fleet to bombard Fort Henry, Baltimore's protection 
from attacks by sea. The land force was checked in its 
march by a determined body of militia, and in a preliminary 
skirmish General Ross himself was killed. The British men- 
of-war bombarded Fort Henry all day and part of the night 
without doing serious damage.^ The troops then reembarked, 
the siege was raised, and the squadron sailed away. 

1 Admiral Cockburn, who commanded this fleet, was a vandal and a barbarian. 
He stood in the speaker's chair in the capitol, waved his hat and gave the command 
to burn the building, which contained the precious records of the new nation. He 
burned defenseless villages, and even country houses occupied only by women. See 
Coffin's " Building of the Nation." 

2 Francis S. Key, detained on board an English man-of-war, watching by the 
flashes of the guns the flag that waved on Fort Henry, composed the " Star-Spangled 
Banner." 



262 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



407. The Hartford Convention. — New England had bit- 
terly opposed the methods pursued during the progress of the 
war, and now that the blockade had extended to its own ports, 
that the capitol had been burned and nothing was secure, it 
felt willing to resort to strong measures. At the suggestion of 
the Massachusetts Legislature a convention was called, and 
delegates from all the New England states met at Hartford 
December 15. The discussions of this convention have for- 
ever been secret, and the official record of its proceedings was 
not made public by the convention itself. The Republican 
party openly charged the convention with treasonable purposes, 
with the intention of advising the states represented to secede 
from the Union and make peace with England, or proffer al- 
legiance to the enemy. If these charges were without founda- 
tion they might easily have been disproven, but no effort was 
made to refute them. The convention was so condemned by 
the people generally that it ruined the Federalist party. 

408. Peace. — Both sides were tired of the conflict, and 
neither side had gained anything decisive. The treaty signed 
at Ghent, December 24, was as negative in its nature as the war 
had been. Nothing for which the war had been fought was 
mentioned in .the treaty ; the two nations, tired of war, did lit- 
tle more than agree to peace. However, the moral and sub- 
stantial victories were with us in reality, although they were not 
formally mentioned in the terms of the treaty. Since that day 
England has never confiscated our ships, nor impressed our 
seamen, nor blockaded our ports. We demonstrated to the. 
world that American seamen were equal in every way to 
English seamen, and were better gunners. And we proved to 
all interested parties that any attempt to establish a foreign 
power on our territory would meet with disastrous failure. 

1 A representative was sent from the convention to confer with the president, but 
peace was declared before the conference could take place. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



263 



409. Battle of New Orleans. — Although the treaty of 
peace had been signed on December 24, on January 8 one of 
the bloodiest battles of the war was fought at New Orleans. 
We had no telegraph then, and the news of the treaty did not 
reach us till after the battle. The British made great prepara- 
tions for the conquest of Louisiana. A fleet of fifty vessels, 
carrying twelve thousand men, under command of General 
Pakenham, sailed to attack New Orleans. General Jackson, 
who, after his victory over the Creeks, had been placed in com- 
mand of the Army of the South, hastened to defend the city. 
Jackson had but six thousand men, but they were well pro- 
tected behind breastworks. The English made one assault 
after another on these extemporized defenses, but they were 
repulsed with heavy losses every time. Their general and 
many of their chief officers were killed. Their losses amounted 
to twenty-six hundred men. The Americans had but eight 
men killed and thirteen wounded. 

410. Admission of States. — The Territory of Orleans, 
which was the southern part of the Louisiana purchase, was 
admitted to the Union in 18 12 under the name of Louisiana, 
making the eighteenth state. The northern part of the terri- 
tory was thereafter called Missouri. Indiana, the second state 
from the Northwest Territory, was admitted in 18 16. 

411. Summary. — The new president and his advisers were unable 
to make satisfactory terms with England. England prohibited trade with 
France, and France prohibited trade with England. The English searched 
our vessels, captured our seamen and forced them into the British service. 
The belief that the English had instigated the Indian uprising in the North- 
west, and the revelations of the Henry letters, hastened the declaration of 
war (June, [812). The contest is known as the War of 1812, but it lasted 
more than two years. The terms of the treaty of peace (signed at Ghent 
December 24, 1814) did not settle the matters in dispute. But we have 
never since had the same causes for trouble, and the English have never 
since that time presumed to confiscate our merchantmen, nor to capture 
and impress our seamen. Our standing among nations of the world was 



264 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



greatly improved by our success in resisting the British on the sea ; in 
every important engagement, except one, where the forces were at all, 
evenly matched, the British ships had to strike their colors. We showed, 
too, by this war, that we were able to defend ourselves against foreign inva- 
sion, and that, therefore, the United States was secure to work out its own 
history. Louisiana was admitted in 181 2 ; Indiana in 18 16. 

412. Thought Questions. — Let the student summarize the events of 
the war under the following heads : 

1. War on the northern frontier. 

2. War on the Atlantic coast. 

3. Naval battles. 

4. Events in the South. 

In what quarter (as above indicated) were the American arms most suc- 
cessful.'' When did the greatest number of American failures occur .J* 
Can you explain why.'' 

Monroe's Administration. 

Two Terms : 1817-1825. 

413. Services and Character of the New President. — James 
Monroe, of Virginia, was a student in William and Mary Col- 
lege when the United States declared their independence of 
Great Britain. He joined the American forces and served 
throughout the war, distinguishing himself as a soldier and an 
officer. He was minister to France under President Washing- 
ton. President Jefferson sent him to France for the purchase 
of Louisiana, and afterwards appointed him minister to Eng- 
land. He served in Madison's cabinet as secretary of state. 
The new president was a kind-hearted man, but firm and deter- 
mined in purpose. He was modest in regard to his own 
talents and services, and generous in admiration of the ability 
and usefulness of others. 

414. The President's Northern Tour. — Soon after his inau- 
guration, Monroe made a tour through the New England and 
other eastern states. During the war of 18 12, New England 
had become disaffected toward the government and the Union 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



265 



(§ 407), and it was Monroe's purpose to express the presi- 
dent's undiminished regard for this section, and to incite the 
loyalty of the people. He was received everywhere most cor- 
dially. The people who had 
favored the war, those who 
had opposed it, and the 
radical Federalist leaders 
who had advocated such 
extreme measures against 
it, now that the war was 
ended and its objects ac- 
complished, united in doing 
honor to the nation's presi- 
dent.- The Federalist party 
went to pieces over its course 
in regard to this war, and 
our whole people seemed 
to be united in one party. 

Monroe. 

Indeed, as years went on, 

the period of Monroe's administration began to be called the 
" Era of Good Feeling," so cordial and harmonious was the 
support given the president. Only one electoral vote was cast 
against him on his election to the second term. 

415. Extension of Territory : the Seminole War. — At this 
time Florida belonged to Spain (§ 323), and on its territory 
there were some Spanish forts garrisoned with Spanish soldiers. 
The population, however, was made up of Seminole Indians, 
runaway slaves, and a few English adventurers. The Sem- 
inoles formed the greater part of this mixed population. 
These people made frequent raids across the border into 

1 On formal occasions Monroe appeared clad in his Revolutionary uniform, and 
completely won the hearts of the scarred veterans of our early struggle for independ- 
ence. 




266 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Georgia, destroying property, stealing slaves, and murdering 
settlers. When pursued into Florida, these marauding bands 
claimed the protection of neutral territory, or fled to the secret 
recesses of the everglades beyond pursuit. These raids finally 
became so frequent and so exasperating that General Jackson, 
the New Orleans hero, was sent to the front to teach the Sem- 
inoles and their allies a lesson. Jackson dealt with the matter 
after his usual summary manner. He drove the Indians out 
of Georgia, and followed them into Florida, where they scat- 
tered into the swamps to save themselves. He captured and 
destroyed the Seminoles' chief village, took forcible possession 
of two or three principal Spanish forts, and executed two 
British subjects ^ who had aided the Indians. 

Jackson's course caused a heated controversy in Congress, 
where he was accused of exceeding his instructions and of 
violating the law of nations. The administration, though em- 
barrassed by his actions, defended his course, and Congress 
refused to censure him. Spain finally decided to sell us the 
territory of Florida. It was bought, in 1819, for five million 
dollars. As one of the conditions of this purchase we agreed 
that the Sabine River should form our southwestern boundary. 
By this agreement we relinquished in Spain's favor all claims to 
Texas.^ Alabama was admitted as a State December 14, 1819. 

416. Slavery. — In 1818, the Union consisted of twenty- 
two states, half " free " and half " slave," with the Ohio River 
and the south line of Pennsylvania as the boundary between 
them. Circumstances had made it possible that a new South- 
ern territory could be put forward for admission directly after 
the admission of each new Northern state, so that the balance 

1 Arbuthnot was an ex-lieutenant of British marines ; Armbrister was a trader of 
Scotch descent. The two had formed a friendly alliance between themselves and 
with the Indians. It was believed that they instigated and planned many of the 
raids. 

2 The United States had claimed Texas as part of the Louisiana purchase. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



267 



had been preserved. There had been much discussion of 
slavery privately, in the public prints and on public platforms. 
Northern sentiment was divided. There was a small faction 
that, on moral grounds, insisted on the abolition of slavery. 
A greater faction feared the growth and final preponderance 
of the slave-holding population. A third faction, from the 
nature of the terms of the original union of states and the 
reading of the Constitution, thought it illegal and dishonorable 
to restrict slavery beyond the original provisions and prohibi- 
tions of the Constitution. In the South, there were many 
people who were opposed to slavery on moral grounds (Jeffer- 
son, Clay, and other great leaders among them), and who 
hoped for the gradual extinction of slavery;^ but the major 
part of the population, through custom or self-interest,^ had 
come to think the mild form of slavery that existed in the 
South best for both negroes and whites. And it was seen by 
sensible people everywhere that the immediate abolition of 
slavery meant ruin to the South ; it would rob both races of 
the means of living. 

417. The Missouri Compromise. — When a territorial gov- 
ernment was proposed for Missouri (18 19), the controversy 
broke out in intense form. The dividing line between the 
"free" and the "slave" states — the Ohio River — was lost on 
the west side of the Mississippi. Should Missouri be " free " 

1 Jefferson's plan for the gradual extinction of slavery was to declare all negroes 
born after a certain date free, to keep these free-born negroes with their parents until 
able to maintain themselves, and then to ship them to some friendly asylum outside 
of the United States, bought and prepared for the purpose. With this plan, slavery 
would perish with the death of the negroes who were still in bondage on the date set. 

2 In the beginning all sections without distinction bought and sold slaves, and no 
section thought it wrong (§§ 91, 139, 209). The negroes were at first used chiefly as 
domestic servants; but, with the development of cotton and rice-growing in the 
Southern states, they became almost indispensable in the fields of this section; so 
that their number grew very fast at the South and very slowly at the North. After 
a while there came a day when the liberation of slaves meant but slight loss to the 
North and ruin to the South. 



268 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



or " slaye" ? It lay for the most part north of the Ohio line, 
but it had been settled chiefly by slaveholders, and its own 
voice was for slaveholding. In Congress the advocates of 
"free" territory at first gained the advantage; but in the end 
Missouri was organized without any restrictions as to slavery. 
When the bill to admit Missouri as a state came up next year 
(1820), the contest was renewed. Maine ^ was asking for ad- 
mission as a free state at the same time. Those who favored 
the admission of Missouri as a slave state joined the two states 
in one bill, so that they should succeed or fail together. But 
there could be no quarrel over Maine, as it was wholly free, 
and the real battle was fought over Missouri. The Northern 
states insisted that Congress had the right to prohibit slavery 
in the states it admitted to the Union, and should exercise the 
right ; the Southern people urged that each state should deter- 
mine its own domestic concerns, and that Missouri should be 
allowed to say whether it should enter as a free or as a slave 
state. The debate that followed was a long and able one, and 
sometimes reached a very angry tone. Through the eloquence 
and influence of Henry Clay, a compromise was effected. By 
its terms Missouri entered as a slave state (182 1), but with 
the provision that any state afterward formed out of the 
Louisiana purchase lying north of 36° 30' — the southern 
boundary of Missouri — must enter as a free state ; any state 
formed out of the purchase south of this line might decide for 
itself whether it would be free or slave. By a separate bill 
Maine was admitted as a free state the day after the Missouri 
Compromise bill was passed. 

418. Internal Improvements. — In this day, railroads were 
unknown, and overland commerce was carried on solely by 
wagons drawn by draught animals. With such slow means of 
transportation, distress might exist in one part of the country 

i Up to this time, Maine had been Massachusetts territory. 



HENRY CLAY. 



I 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



269 



while another section had more food products than could be 
used or sold. Anything that would lead to a quicker and more 
general distribution of supplies would, of course, greatly aid the 
development of the country. In 18 17, through the influence of 
Governor Clinton and by the authority of the state legislature, 
work was begun on the Erie Canal. It extended from the 
eastern end of Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson, and when 
completed (1825) was 363 miles long. It afforded an extreme- 
ly cheap means of transportation, and assisted greatly in the 
development of the interior of New York, and even of Ohio 
and the western country. With its help, New York City 
jumped into the front rank of commercial cities, and has ever 
since been the great commercial center of the Union. 

419. The Cumberland Road. — This highway, begun in a 
small town in Maryland, supported at first by state funds, 
grew in importance until it became a subject of national dis- 
cussion and of national aid. It was fostered and encouraged 
by the powerful Clay and an enthusiastic party. It was finally 
extended, eighty feet wide, paved with hard stone, " a noble 
turnpike,'' to Wheeling. It proved highly useful in developing 
the West and in adding to the wealth of the East. Clay 
planned to extend it down the Ohio to the Mississippi. A 
southern road was projected from Washington to New Orleans. 

420. The Monroe Doctrine. — Several of the Spanish colo- 
nies in South America revolted, and set up governments of 
their own. The United States was the first nation to recog- 
nize their independence. Later, France gave notice that she 
would call a congress of the great powers to consider the 
revolt of these colonies. Of course, the plan would be to 
reduce these revolted colonies to European dependence by put- 
ting over them kings sent from the royal families of Europe. 
In opposition to this purpose, President Monroe sent to Con- 
gress (1823) a message that declared, " That we should con- 



270 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



sider any attempt on their part (the part of the European 
powers) to extend their system to any portion of this hemi- 
sphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and further that, 
"The American continents, by the free and independent posi-. 
tion which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth 
not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any 
European powers." "In these two propositions consists the 
celebrated ' Monroe Doctrine,' a doctrine, we may add, which 
our later statesmen have developed at their convenience, link- 
ing it inseparably with the name of the president who thus 
pronounced it, and seeing in it what many hundred millions of 
American freemen, in the long vista of coming centuries, will 
still better recognize, if free institutions are capable of growth 
and endurance, the sacred stone of chartered liberty in the 
Western world." ^ This message was carefully studied in all 
the capitals of Europe; the congress was never called; the 
plan of reducing the revolted colonies was abandoned. 

421. Lafayette*s Visit. — In 1824, Lafayette (§ 286), now 
nearly seventy years old, in response to an invitation from the 
president, made our country a visit. He stayed more than a 
year, and visited every state in the Union. He v/as received 
everywhere with the greatest enthusiasm, the survivors of the 
Revolution showing the deepest feeling at again clasping the 
hand of their old comrade-in-arms. Lafayette had joined 
our struggle for independence at its darkest hour ; he had 
expended large sums of money from his private fortune to 
help our cause; he had brought us soldiers and had given 
us the prestige of his great name; in joining us, he relin- 
quished his home and a certain career of distinction in his own 
country; he repeatedly risked his life in our service; and he 
had joined his fortunes with ours from a pure sympathy with 
the oppressed, an ideal love of abstract liberty; he had not 



1 Schouler, " History of the United States," Vol. Ill, p. 288. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



271 



suffered our wrongs or borne our yoke. We were deeply in 
debt to him and anxious to show our appreciation of his noble 
conduct. Congress seized this opportunity, when he visited 
our country in his old age, broken in fortune, suffering the loss 
of political power at home, to express our gratitude. Two 
hundred thousand dollars and twenty-four thousand acres of 
land were voted to him as a slight expression of the affectionate 
remembrance of a grateful people. Some of the states were 
eager to add special grants to the national grant, but Lafayette 
thought it best not to accept the state grants.^ 

422. The Presidential Election. — This year there were 
four candidates for the presidency, all calling themselves Re- 
publicans. Andrew Jackson received 99 electoral votes, John 
Quincy Adams, 84; W. H. Crawford, 41; and Henry Clay, 
37. As none of the candidates had a majority, there was no 
election, and it became the duty of the House to select a presi- 
dent. Clay threw his strength for Adams, who, with him, 
favored high tariff and loose construction of the Constitution, 
and Adams was elected. 

* The American youth who loves liberty cannot find a better subject for study 
than the career of Lafayette. His connection with our Revolution was merely a 
picturesque and significant incident in a long life devoted to the cause of constitu- 
tional liberty. His career was one marked by the most extreme vicissitudes : he 
was one of the leading factors in the Revolution, a few years after the American 
struggle, in his own country ; his party lost its power, and Lafayette to save his life 
fled from the country ; he was captured and thrown into an Austrian prison, where 
he spent several years; he was liberated by the great Napoleon; again became an 
important figure ; again had reverses, and came to this country, broken in fortune, 
and having lost his seat in the French legislature ; but before his death, after visiting 
America, he again became prominent and powerful. He followed the star of liberty 
through good and evil report, through the darkest nights and through days of the 
greatest splendor ; he risked his life by the peasant's side against the oppressor's 
tyranny, and he threw his sheltering arm around the dethroned monarch to protect 
him from the despotic fury of the mob; and through his long career he was the same 
brave, true, chivalrous knight, the same consistent democrat, the same picturesque, 
heroic figure. 



272 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



423. Summary. — The president's northern tour aroused patriotic 
feeling and added to his personal popularity. The Federalist party, which 
had violently opposed the war, was ruined by the successful result 
achieved, and by the overwhelming endorsement of the new president, 
whom it had also opposed. The Seminole Indians, who had long been 
troublesome, were severely punished by Jackson. The territory (Florida) 
which served as a refuge to these lawless Indians was sold to us by Spain 
for $5,000,000. Missouri's request for admission as a state brought up a 
new and bitter agitation of the slavery question. Missouri was admitted 
under a compromise which forbade slavery in all other Louisiana territory 
north of 36° 30', leaving the question to the choice of the inhabitants in 
territory south of this limit. The Erie Canal, extending from Lake Erie 
to the Hudson (363 miles), was completed in 1825. The Cumberland 
Road was built from Maryland to Wheeling. President Monroe declared 
that the United States would oppose any attempt on the part of European 
powers to gain control of any countries in America. Lafayette made a 
tour of our country, and was presented with money and land as an expres- 
sion of our gratitude. 

424. Thought Questions. — Give brief sketch of the history of Florida 
up to the time of its purchase by the United States. (Treat of its dis- 
covery, exploration, settlement, population, conflicts with neighboring 
colonies, changes of ownership.) Why are canals of less importance now 
than formerly ? Do you consider the Monroe Doctrine justifiable? Give 
your reasons. What do you consider the most important event of this 
administration 

John Quincy Adams's Administration. 

One Term: 1825-1829. 

425. Services and Character of the New President. — John 
Quincy Adams, son of the second president, was born in 
Massachusetts, in 1767, and lived to be 81 years of age. 
Most of his life was spent in office. When he was but twenty- 
seven years old, Washington appointed him minister to the 
Netherlands. At different times, he was our minister to Hol- 
land, Germany, Russia, and England. As our representative, 
he spent fifteen years at foreign courts. While abroad, he 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 




served on several special missions, among them the important 
one that negotiated the treaty of Ghent that closed the war of 
18 1 2. He was secretary 
of state in Monroe's cab- 
inet and succeeded Mon- 
roe as president. In less 
than two years after his 
retirement from the presi- 
dency, he was elected to 
Congress from his district 
in Massachusetts, and 
served continuously until 
his death fifteen years 
later. He was a pure 
patriot and statesman of 
great learning and experi- 
ence. He was cold, blunt, 
and haughty in manner, 
the reverse of the simple Republican that he was in principle. 

426. Material Advancement. — The Erie Canal was opened 
during the year of Adams's inauguration, and it was seen that 
by its means freight could be handled profitably at one-tenth 
the former cost of transportation. The demonstration of this 
fact gave a great impetus to canal-building. Canals were pro- 
jected by individuals, companies, and states, and for many of 
them aid was asked from Congress. Pennsylvania wished to 
connect Pittsburg and Philadelphia, Ohio proposed to join Lake 
Erie and the Ohio River, Virginia and Maryland united on a 
favorite plan, and it was prophesied that a waterway would 
finally be made between the Pacific ports of Oregon and Phila- 
delphia. Many of these canals were actually completed, and 
no doubt canal-building would have gone beyond the most ex- 
travagant prophecies of the day if something better had not 



John Quincy Adanns. 



2/4 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



speedily been found in railroads. Steamboats were to be 
found in great numbers along our western coast and on our 
western rivers. Steamships had crossed the ocean by this 
time ; but they were not depended upon for regular trips. 
Canals aided commerce in the East, and steamboats on the 
Ohio and Mississippi were fast developing the West. A few 




Mohawk Valley, showing Erie Canal. 



miles of railroad track were now in use, but the cars were 
drawn by horses. The locomotive was not tried until a year 
or so after Adams's administration closed. Illuminating gas 
was first successfully used in London in 1813, It came into 
general use in New York City in 1825, but the other cities 
were much slower in taking hold of it and it was many years 
before it came to be used in the small towns. 

427. Adams's Policy. — Adams's views were in perfect har- 
mony with this spirit of development ; and it was the purpose 
of the president to encourage progress with all the influence 
his administration could command. He boldly declared, in his 
inaugural address, that his administration would stand or fall 
on the policy of internal improvements. In his first annual 
message, he urged Congress to multiply roads and canals, 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



275 



endow a national university, make appropriations for scientific 
research, and erect an observatory.^ 

428. Failure of the Policy. — Congress paid very little at- 
tention to the policy outlined by the president. The " Era of 
Good Feeling," of Monroe's administration, was followed in 
Adams's administration by the growth of new parties,^ political 
agitation, personal and party rivalries and bitterness. Many 
thought it unjust that Adams, who had fewer votes than Jack- 
son (§ 422), should have been selected for the presidency; and 
the president was unpopular with those who thought so. The 
fact that Henry Clay, whose influence caused this minority 
candidate to be elected, was immediately made secretary of 
state, gave rise to the charge that the president and secretary 
had made a corrupt bargain.^ These condemnations were used 
very successfully by politicians to make the president and his 
administration unpopular. Besides there were many people 
who thought that internal improvements should be taken care 
of by state appropriations and believed that it was wrong to 
appropriate national revenues for these purposes. In the end, 
an appropriation of $30,000 for repairs on the Cumberland 
Road (§ 419), an order for the removal of obstructions from 

1 In 1835, when a member of Congress, he was made chairman of the Congres- 
sional committee that was to consider the bequest of James Smithson, of London, of 
^400,000 to estabUsh at Washington an institution for the diffusion of knowledge. 
He presented a very able report, and introduced the bill creating the Smithsonian 
Institution, an institution of which the nation has since grown justly proud. The 
ex-president counted his services in connection with this institution among the most 
valuable of those rendered by him to his country. 

2 The Clay and Adams factions united and called themselves National Repub- 
licans. They were " loose constructionists," believed in public improvements at 
national expense and in a high tax on imports. Those who opposed the administra- 
tion called themselves Democrats. They believed in holding closely to the Constitu- 
tion, in a low tariff, and in using the national revenues only for the support of the 
government. 

3 Senator Randolph, of Virginia, referred to the matter as the contract between 
" Puritan and blackleg." Clay challenged Randolph and a duel was fought. Neither 
duellist was hurt. 



276 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the Ohio River, grants of some public lands in aid of canals, 
turnpikes, and to establish some institutions of learning, was 
the little that Congress would do in response to the glowing 
message that had asked so much. 

429. The Creek Land Trouble. — By an agreement with 
Georgia, in 1802, in consideration of the territory which after- 
wards made the States of Alabama and Mississippi, the United 
States undertook to deliver to Georgia the lands held by the 
Indians in the state. In carrying out this agreement, several 
millions of acres of land had been bought from the Indians 
and the title transferred to Georgia ; but there was still a large 
section of this land in the possession of the Indians. The 
people of the state began to complain of the delay in effecting 
the total transfer. Negotiations were again begun with the 
Indians. In 1825, a treaty was made^ that ceded the re- 
mainder of the Georgia lands and a large tract in Alabama 
besides. But the Indians immediately repudiated the treaty, 
saying that it was fraudulent ; and expressed their savage indig- 
nation by burning the house of their agent. General Mcintosh, 
and afterwards murdering him. They sent a delegation to 
Washington to show that the treaty had been obtained by cor- 
rupt means and to ask a reconsideration. President Adams 
thought the treaty unfair and probably unfairly obtained. He 
sent a body of troops to Georgia with instructions to their gen- 
eral to obtain a new cession about which there could be no 
question. Under the direction of the Georgia authorities the 
survey of the new lands acquired by the Mcintosh treaty had 
already begun. The federal officer asked that the survey 
cease. The governor, taking the position that the lands had 
been turned over to the state, and could be managed at the 
state's discretion, insisted that the survey should proceed. 

^ The United States was represented by two agents, the Indians by General 
Mcintosh, their chief. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



277 



The president finally notified the governor that he would ex- 
pect all surveys to cease until Congress should consider the 
matter. There was further controversy between the state and 
federal authorities, and considerable excitement arose in 
Georgia. In the end, a new and undisputed cession Was made 
by which the Indians relinquished the lands and bound them- 
selves to emigrate to a new home beyond the Mississippi. 

430. Character of the Period. — The people had already 
shown a great interest in public improvements. They saw the 
advantages to be gained by good roads, open waterways, cheap 
exchange of products. The president urged Congress to aid 
the people in developing the country. But Congress believed 
that it had no right to use national funds to aid any enterprise 
not wholly national in its character. So Congress granted very 
little of all the president asked. But progress was the watch- 
word of the day. By means of aid from states, and from 
private enterprise, improvements multiplied in all parts of the 
country. The advancement was as great as the president had 
hoped, though it was not brought about as he had planned it. 

431. Summary. — The Erie Canal, opened in 1825, proved that freight 
could be carried by it at one-tenth the price paid for the old wagon trans- 
portation. Other canals were built and many more were planned. Rail- 
roads, however, soon checked the growth of canals. Steamboats were to 
be found on our coasts and on our large rivers. Steamships crossed the 
ocean. Illuminating gas was used in New York City in 1825. The presi- 
dent's policy was to build up public improvements with the national reve- 
nues. Congress opposed this policy and granted very little that he asked. 
Improvements went forward rapidly by means of private enterprise. In 
settling an old agreement, the Creek lands in Georgia were bought by the 
government and transferred to the state. 

432. Thought Questions. — What benefits result from cheap and rapid 
transportation ? Of the six presidents so far considered, who served only 
one term ? Account for the failure of these two to be reelected. What 
was the distinguishing feature of John Quincy Adams's ad ministration 



2/8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Topical Analysis (Development of the United States). 

347. The First President. 

„ , , . f Enthusiasm of the people. 

348. The Inauguration, i , . ^, 

^ L Delay in the ceremony. 

^ , . . , ^ , . r The Federalists. 

349. Political Parties. . , ... 

■^^^ I The Anti-Federahsts. 

f Population. 

350. The New Nation. ^ Area. 

1^ Patriotism. 

35.. The First Cabinet, f The president's policy. 
^■^ [ Officers appomted. 

f The public debt. 

352. Finances. ^ „ f.^ , , 

^■^ I Hamilton's plans. 

r C3.USG 

353. The Whiskey Insurrection. -{ ^ * 

•^•'•^ { Incidents. 

Pioneers in the West. 

354. Extension of Frontier. Conflicts with the Indians. 



New states. 
( France and England. 

355. Foreign Relations. ^ Citizen Genet. 

[ Treaty with England, 
j' The inventor. 

356. The Cotton Gin. ^ The invention. 

Results. 

357. The Second Term. 



358. Condition of the Country. 
^ 361. The New President 



Travel and news. 
Horses and plows. 
Stoves and fuel. 
School apparatus. 



362. Change of the Capital. ^ 



Site of the city. 
District of Columbia. 

^ ^ r Quarrel with the Directory. 

363. Trouble with France, i ^1 . j 

^ Steps toward war. 

364. Death of Washington. 

365. The Alien and Sedition Laws. 

. -. ^ ^ f Opposition to the Alien and 

366. The Virginia and Kentucky I ^^^^.^.^^ ^^^^ 

Action of Virginia and Kentucky. 



Resolutions. 
367. Treaty with France 



368. Presidential Election. / Complication. 

1^ Final settlement. 



I 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



371. The New President. 

372. Republican Simplicity. Jefferson's course. 
Depredations of the pirates. 

373. Pirates of the J Practice of European nations. 
Mediterranean. Action of the United States. 

Treaty. 

374. A New State. 

f Importance of the Mississippi. 

_, ^ . . ^ , J Different owners of Louisiana. 
^ 375. The Louisiana Purchase. < ^ , , ,tt-jo 
^ Purchase by the United States. 

H I Results. 



f Purpose. 



376. Lewis and Clarke Expedition. Route. 
Q [ Results. 

^ Action of England and France. 

377. Trouble with England. ^ The Embargo Act. 

Q [ Repeal of the Act. 

S o . r Duel with Hamilton. 

« 378. Aaron Burr's Treason.-^ - r 

W ^' 1 Trial for treason. 

Pc4 379. Importation of Slaves Prohibited. 



^ < 

I N 

^ o 
o 



f The inventor. 
384. The First Steamboat. -{ The invention. 

t Results. 

383. The New President. 

384. Difficulties of the f Disputes with England and France. 
Administration. \ Policy of United States. 

385. The Process of Relief, j Negotiations with England. 

Negotiations with France, 
r Indian uprising. 

386. The Tippecanoe Incident. <J Harrison's campaign. 

[ Feeling against England. 

387. Wrongs to our Seamen. 

00 T> 1 J.' ,-rT r Grievances against England. 

388. Declaration of War. ^ , , ? 

1^ War declared. 

'389. First Movement against Canada. 

j Constitution and Guerrih'e. 
Wasp and Frolic. 
J [ American success. 



Queenstown Heights. 

392. Invasion of Canada.^ Disgraceful conduct of militia. 
Failure of this movement. 

393. Madison's Reelection. 



28o 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



395. Plan of Land Forces. 



396-9- 



Events in 
the West. 



400. Events in the East. 



Raisin River massacre. 
Forts Meigs and Stephenson. 
Victory on Lake Erie. 
Invasion of Canada ; Thames victory. 
^ Results of the Western campaign. 

f Invasion of Canada : Toronto. 
Defense of Sackett's Harbor. 
Canada again invaded. 
Movement against Montreal. 



394, 401. On the Sea. 



f Chesapeake and Shannon. 
Disadvantages overcome. 
Ravages on Atlantic coast. 

Massacre at Fort Mims. 



402. The Creek Uprising. { ^^^^^^ Horseshoe Bend. 



403, 404. Last Invasion ^ 
of Canada. 



Chippewa. 
Niagara Falls. 
Fort Erie. 

Withdrawal from Canada. 



^ , ^ , , f Reduced forces of Americans. 

405. Battle of Lake , , . r 

, . British attacking forces. 

Champlain. „, . ^ 

^ The victory. 

^ The blockade. 

406. Along the Coast. -{ Sacking of the capital. 

Attack on Baltimore. 



407. The Hartford 
Convention. 



f Dissatisfaction in New England. 
<J Meeting of the convention, 
t Effect. 



408. Peace. 



The treaty. 
Results of the war. 



Z 00 j 
w " ^ 



f Battle unnecessary. 
409. Battle of New Orleans. -{ The opposing armies. 

The victory. 



410. New States. 



From Louisiana purchase. 
From Northwest Territory. 



PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT. 



281 



' 413. The New President. 

( Purpose. 

414. President's Northern Tour. ■{ Incidents. 

[ Result. 

M f The Seminole War. 

415. Extension of Territory. Purchase of Florida. 

Alabama admitted. 

j' The sections balanced. 
^ 416. Slavery. <J Opinion in the North. 
W 1^ Opinion in the South. 

55 ^, . ^ . r The dispute, 

g 417. The Missouri Compromise. \ 3ettlement. 

I o T . r The Erie Canal. 

H 418, 419. Improvements.-^ i 1 j t> j 

< t J 1 ^ f 1^ rpj^g Cumberland Road. 

^ f The occasion. 

O 420. The Monroe Doctrine. -{ The " Doctrine. 

^ 1^ The result. 

O 



00 

M 

^ I 

< o 



g 421. Lafayette's Visit. 

422. Presidential Election. 

425. The New President. 



No decision by electors. 
Decision by the House. 



f Canals and steamboats. 

426. Material Advancement. ^ Railroads. 

Illuminating gas. 

427. The President's Policy. Recommendations to Congress. 

Unpopularity of the president. 
Action of Congress, 
f Agreement between Georgia and United States. 



428. Failure of the Policy. 

429. The Creek 



, ^ , , Trouble between Georgia and the Indians. 
Land Trouble. 1 ... ^ . tt • 1 o 

1 rouble between Georgia and United States. 

430. Character of the Period. 



282 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 

(Jackson to Buchanan.) 
Jackson's Administration. 

Two Terms: 1829-1837. 

433. Services and Character of the New President. — 

Andrew Jackson was born in -North Carolina in 1767. He 
early made his home in Tennessee, was a resident of the state 
when he was elected to the presidency, and after serving his 
term returned to his estate there, where he resided till his 
death in 1845. His chief services to his country previous to 
his election to the presidency were of a military character. 




With volunteer and independent parties 
he aided the patriots in the Revolution. 
He was captured by the British and much 
mistreated by them. In the war of 18 12, 
he distinguished himself by his wonderful 
defense of New Orleans (§ 409). His 
great popularity was due to the people's 
enthusiasm for him as a daring and suc- 
cessful military chieftain. He was, besides, 
a western man and carried the support 



of this growing territory. He was a man 
of the people in his origin, in his habits, and in his methods of 
thought; and the plain people of the South and West elected 
him to the presidency and loyally supported him through the 
eight years of his stormy contests with politicians and would-be 
aristocrats. He was a man of strong will, disposed to control 
every movement with which he was connected. He was honest 
and fearless and blunt of speech. He was a loyal citizen, pre- 
pared to sacrifice property or life to his country: but his methods 
were those of a partisan and he sometimes mistook his own 
prejudices for national principles. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 283 

434. Changes in Office. — Jackson dominated his adminis- 
tration to a degree unusual with presidents. He was familiar 
only with the methods of military government which cause the 
prompt and unhesitating execution of the orders of the superior 
officers. He carried the same methods into civil life and ex- 
pected and exacted prompt and decisive action in furthering 
his plans and policies. He was the first president to follow to 
a noticeable extent the policy of removing personal or political 
opponents from office and appointing personal or political 
friends in their stead. In the midst of his first term, he dis- 
solved his cabinet and appointed a new one ; and during his 
two terms, he made twenty cabinet appointments. These polit- 
ical removals subjected the president to severe criticism ; ^ but 
later presidents have followed the same practice, though seldom 
to the same degree of partisanship. Lately the reform of the 
civil service has come to be an important issue in national 
politics. 

435. The National Bank. — Up to this time, the financial 
transactions of the government had been managed through a 
national bank situated at Philadelphia^ (§ 352). This central 
bank had twenty-five branches in the different states. Its 
charter, granted in 18 16, was for a term of twenty years. Jack- 
son, in his first message to Congress (1829), questioned both 
the soundness of the law creating the bank and the wisdom of 
its continuance. He said that it had failed in one of the chief 
purposes for which it was established, viz. : that of making an 
uniform and sound currency. He suggested that Congress try 
some other plan. His utterances on this subject were a great 
surprise to the people and caused excited discussion all over 

1 " Of Jackson's procedure in this matter it can be said, in partial excuse, so bitter 
had been the opposition to him by office-holders as well as others, that many removals 
were undoubtedly indispensable in order to the efficiency of the public service." — 
Andrews'' s History of the United States, Vol. I, p. 357. 

2 The first United States bank was chartered for twenty-five years, 1 789-1814. 



284 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the country. Gradually, as this discussion continued, and 
voters began to take sides for or against the bank, the ques- 
tion of the renewal of its charter became a leading issue in 
politics. The president and his friends continually and vigor- 
ously opposed the renewal of the charter ; Henry Clay and his 
friends, and the bank's friends, and the enemies of the presi- 
dent united in upholding the bank and in pressing for a new 
charter. In his second message, the president again opposed 
the re-charter of the bank, and a bill to renew the charter for 
fifteen years was killed by his veto. Late in 1833, in the 
vacation of Congress, the president, through the secretary of 
the treasury, began depositing the nation's funds, as they 
came in, in state banks. Before March of the following 
year, more than six million dollars had been paid out from the 
national bank. The necessity of producing so much money in 
so short a time necessarily strained the resources of the bank 
to the utmost ; but it stood firm and met all engagements. 
When Congress met. Senator Clay introduced a resolution cen- 
suring the president and the secretary of the treasury for 
withdrawing the public patronage from the bank. A long and 
angry debate followed. When a vote was reached, it was 
found that the Senate was for condemning the president's 
course and in favor of returning the funds to the national 
bank. But the House supported the president and passed a 
bill regulating the deposit in the state banks. The Congress 
of 1835 passed an act pursuing the president's policy in regard 
to the bank, authorizing and regulating the deposit of public 
funds in state banks, and permitting the secretary of the 
treasury to sell the government's stock in the national bank, 
thereby ending all national connection with it. The charter 
expired in 1836 and it was not renewed. 

436. Tariff Development. — From an early day the amount 
of duty to be laid and the choice of imports to be taxed have 




JOHN C. CALHOUN. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 285 

formed important questions of legislation and have divided 
political parties. The first tariff act, passed during Washing- 
ton's administration (§ 352), was primarily for the purpose 
of raising a revenue for the expenses of our government and 
for paying our debts. The people of new England favored 
a low tariff because they were chiefly engaged in commerce, 
and the lower the tax on imports the larger would be the 
volume of trade. The southern cotton-growing states also 
favored a low tariff. The destruction of our foreign commerce 
during the war of 18 12 caused us to manufacture many 
articles formerly bought of other countries. But we were not 
able to manufacture many things as cheaply as they could be 
imported. In 18 16, Congress was asked to raise the tax on 
imports so that the price on certain articles would be increased 
to such a degree that our own people could afford to manu- 
facture them.^ A bill having this object was passed — chiefly 
by the Republicans. John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, 
led in supporting it. The Federalists and the New Englanders, 
led by Daniel Webster, opposed it. 

New England, lacking a fertile soil and a mild climate, 
could not compete with other sections in agricultural produc- 
tions ; but as it possessed water and fuel in abundance it 
gradually developed into a great manufacturing region. With 
this change of occupation there was a gradual change of 
opinion as to the value of a high or protective tariff. 
A manufacturing region is, of course, directly benefited by 
a high tariff, as the price of manufactured articles is increased 
thereby. On the other hand, many people in the South who 
had formerly supported a high tariff had come to see that agri- 
culture must be their chief occupation, and that their interest 
lay in keeping down the price of manufactured articles that 
they must buy. In 1824 the vote for a bill raising the tariff 

1 This kind of tariff is called " protective," because it protects the home manu- 
facturer from foreign competition. 



286 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



showed an increasing sentiment in favor of it in New England 
and a decreasing sentiment in South Carolina and the adjoining 
region. Its chief strength came from central and western 
states. It was opposed by Webster and many New England- 
ers and by the people of the Southern states. The bill was 
passed. 

In 1828, a bill was offered, providing still higher protection 
than the bill of 1824. Webster was one of its chief advocates.-^ 
New England was strongly in favor of it. Calhoun and the 
people of his state were bitterly opposed to it. The people of 
the cotton-growing states were opposed to it. There was an 
angry contest in Congress and much excitement in the country. 
The bill was passed. 

437. Nullification. — Early in Jackson's administration, this 
tariff controversy led to one of the most famous debates (in 1830) 
ever held in the Senate. Senator Hayne, of South Carolina, 
advanced the views that the national government had no power 
to lay high protective tariffs, and that the states might justly 
and constitutionally refuse to pay them ; that it lay within the 
province of a state's power to " nullify " or set aside an act of 
Congress. Daniel Webster, senator from Massachusetts, re- 
plied to this speech, and in advocating the power of the Federal 
government, and pleading for the preservation of the Union, 
made a speech that is one of the world's great masterpieces of 
eloquence. Two years later, a new tariff bill (raising some 
duties against which the South had protested, though the sum 
of the duties was somewhat lowered) was introduced in Con- 
gress and led to a fierce and prolonged controversy. The bill 
was brought forward under the advice and management of 
Henry Clay. The plan he advocated was called the " Ameri- 
can System" — a policy of high tariff and internal improve- 

1 Daniel Webster at first advocated free trade, as tiiat was tiie policy favored by 
his Massachusetts constituency ; but he afterwards became a protectionist when 
Massachusetts became a manufacturing state. 



DANIEL WEBSTER. 



i 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



287 



merits. It was violently opposed by the whole South Carolina 
delegation, led by Senator Hayne and Vice-President Calhoun. 
The bill — which had been carefully framed to aid all the man- 
ufacturing sections of the country ^ — when it came to a vote 
(July, 1832) passed by a large majority. In the November 
following. South Carolina held a state convention called by the 
state Legislature, and presided over by the governor, which 
declared the tariff acts of 1828 and 1832 null and void and not 
enforceable after the ist of February, 1833. The Legislature 
immediately passed the laws necessary to carry out the wishes 
of the convention in resisting the collection of duties in the 
ports of South Carolina. President Jackson took prompt and 
decided steps to enforce the law. He sent an officer and 
a sloop-of-war to Charleston to protect the custom officers in 
the collection of duties. He posted troops on the border 
where they would be at ready command in an emergency. In 
December, he issued a proclamation to the people of the state, 
upholding the right and the power of the Federal government, 
and admonishing the citizens against resistance. At the 
same time, in his message to Congress, again in session, he 
proposed a reduction of the tariff that had caused the trouble. 
Further war-like preparations were made on both sides ; but in 
the end there was a peaceful adjustment. Calhoun, having re- 
signed the vice-presidency, appeared in Congress as a senator 
from South Carolina, filling a vacancy caused by the resigna- 
tion of Senator Hayne, and he and Webster held another 
debate on the rights and prerogatives of the Federal govern- 
ment in relation to the rights and prerogatives of the states, 
that was as famous as the previous one on the same subject. 
But a compromise tariff bill, advocated by Clay, lowering many 
duties in the line asked by the South, was passed by Congress 
late in February. This satisfied South Carolina. The Nullifi- 
cation Ordinance was at once repealed by another state con- 
vention, and all active opposition to the tariff regulations ceased. 



288 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



438. Indian Uprisings. — The Sac and the Fox Indians, 
Uving in Wisconsin, agreed to remove to territory set apart for 
them in Iowa. Part of the tribe made the change peaceably ; 
but the chief, Black Hawk, and some of his followers were re- 
moved by force. From the Iowa territory frequent raids were 
made into the surrounding region, and for years the settlers of 
the vicinity lived in fear of attack. 

Some of the Seminole tribe were yet living in Florida. An 
attempt was made to remove them beyond the Mississippi. 
The tribe rose in revolt, and massacred all but four of a band 
of one hundred men. General Taylor marched against the 
Indians, pursued them into the everglades of Florida, and de- 
feated them in a hard-fought battle. They were not entirely 
subdued till 1842, seven years from their first outbreak. Much 
money was spent and many lives were lost in the contests. 

439. The Abolition Crusade: the Pioneers. — Though all 
sections in the United States practiced slavery in the begin- 
ning, there were men here and there who thought it an evil. 
Some of our greatest statesmen, Southern as well as Northern, 
did not hesitate to declare publicly their condemnation of it. 
Many states had, before this time, passed laws to abolish 
slavery either immediately or gradually. Societies had been 
formed to colonize freed slaves out of the country. But the 
first man to devote his life to an effort to free the slaves was 
Benjamin Lundy, a Quaker of New Jersey. He founded 
(182 1) and published for several years in different parts of our 
country — Ohio, Tennessee, Maryland, and other states — a 
journal called The Genius of Universal Emancipation. The 
editor also labored to form emancipation societies and spoke 
on the subject when he could get audiences. His crusade was 
one of argument and persuasion, and he addressed his appeal 
to the humane and kindly feelings of the white people. At 
Boston, he met and made a convert of William Lloyd Garrison. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 289 



For a short time, Garrison aided Lundy in the publication of 
The Ge7iius ; but in 1831, he began printing in Boston an 
abolition paper of his own called The Libe?'afor. Garrison 
condemned slavery in a violent way that provoked much bitter 
feeling. He would not consent to the purchase of the slaves 
nor to their gradual emancipation. He said slavery was a 
crime and the slave-holder a criminal. He demanded the im- 
mediate and unconditional abolition of slavery. 

440. The Opinions. — Extremists at the South believed 
slavery to be profitable and right and were willing, if need be, 
to leave the Union in order to preserve it. Conservative peo- 
ple, both North and South, believed that it had been recog- 
nized in the formation of the Union and in the making of the 
Constitution, and that efforts to abolish it violated the good 
faith of the compact of the states. Individuals, here and there, 
of this conservative majority condemned slavery on abstract 
grounds and wished that some just means of abolition could 
be devised ; but they could see none, and so strongly censured 
the methods of such men as Garrison. Abolitionists asserted 
that the " Constitution was a covenant with death and an 
agreement with hell," and were anxious that the slave-holding 
states should be cast out of the Union. These were the most 
distinct opinions : on such a perplexing question there were 
many opinions varying on minor principles. 

441. The Condition of the Crusade. — Under Garrison's in- 
fluence, many societies were formed in the Northern states for 
the purpose of urging the abolition of slavery. Every possible 
means of agitation was used, speeches were made, articles 
written for the newspapers, candidates of abolition tendencies 
put forward. Congress petitioned, and incendiary circulars sent 
through the mails to all parts of the South. The slaves began 
to feel the influence of the agitation. In Virginia, in 1831 (the 



290 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

same year that The Liberator first saw the light), there was a 
negro uprising which resulted in the massacre of sixty white 
people. Other uprisings were threatened ; and in many quarters 
slaves became excited and rebellious. The Southern people had 
become very sensitive on this subject. They wanted to take 
extreme measures for the suppression of the abolition agitation. 
Garrison, while editing The Genius^ in Baltimore, was ar- 
rested, fined, and put in jail. Georgia offered five thousand 
dollars reward for the arrest of any one found circulating The 
Liberator in the state. Packages of incendiary pamphlets 
were taken from the mails and, together with effigies of leading 
abolition agitators, publicly burned. But the great mass of the 
people were for preserving the Union as it stood, and were in 
favor of suppressing in a lawful way all disorganizing violence, 
whether North or South. By a vote nearly unanimous the 
Senate refused (1836) to grant a petition to abolish slavery in 
the District of Columbia. The House, later in the same year, 
declared that: (i) Congress had no constitutional authority to 
interfere with the institution of slavery in any state ; (2) that 
Congress ought not to interfere with slavery in the District of 
Columbia ; and by a vote of more than two-thirds of the mem- 
bers, passed a resolution that it would not consider in any way 
a petition, memorial, resolution, or proposition in regard to 
slavery. So, although the abolition agitators had created much 
excitement, it was apparent that a great majority of the people 
were opposed to the agitation and the strife it engendered. 

442. Railways. — Railways were first used in England for 
the purpose of transporting mineral ore from mines to some 
convenient shipping point. The cars on these first railways 
were drawn by horses. The first railway built in this country 
(1826) extended from Quincy, Mass., to the Neponset River, a 
distance of five miles, and was for the purpose of transporting 
granite from the quarry to a shipping point. The cars were 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



291 




drawn by horses. A few other railways for similar purposes 
and operated in the same way were built in the country. 
Several unsuccessful efforts were made in England to con- 
struct steam-engines that 
would draw the cars. A 
like experiment was made 
with a steam-engine in 
Pennsylvania in 1829. 
George Stephenson, an 

T71 T 1 • .1 First American Railway (the "Granite Road"). 

English engineer, was the 

first to make a really successful locomotive. This locomotive 
was tried in America in 1831. But Americans immediately 
began the manufacture of locomotives from their own patterns ^ 

that were better adapted to the 
needs of our country. With 
the success of locomotives, 
railroad building developed 
very rapidly. Before the close 
of Jackson's administration, 
there were fifteen hundred 
miles of railway in the United 
States. Railways were just 
what was needed for the 
development of our country. 
They were seized upon immediately and we have never ceased 
building them. The United States now have nearly as many 
miles of railway as are to be found in the remainder of the 
world. 




Stephenson's Locomotive (the " Rocket "). 



443. The Whig Party. — The president soon had several 
classes of people opposed to him. Those who supported the 
bank, those who favored a high protective tariff, those who be- 



1 The first successful American locomotive, called the " Arabian," was built in 
1833. It was still running in 1883, but during this year was destroyed by fire. 



292 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



lieved in state sovereignty/ and the nullifiers could unite in 
opposition to Jackson. These factions began to call them- 
selves Whigs, though they did not at this time form a close 
party organization. Clay, who had been the leader of the 
National Republicans, was now the leader of the Whig party, 
the Republican party's successor. The name " Whig " was 
selected (1834) because that was the name of the English 
party that had resisted the tyranny of King George III., and 
this American party meant to resist what they called the 
tyranny of Jackson. However, the Whigs were united on 
nothing but opposition to Jackson. Different factions of the 
party put forward different candidates for the presidency. The 
Democratic party put forward but one candidate. Van Buren, 
and gained an easy victory. 

444. Summary. — The president made the custom of removing politi- 
cal enemies from office and appointing political friends, conspicuous. He 
waged a long contest against the national bank. The bank's charter ex- 
pired in 1836 and was not renewed. The national funds were placed in 
state banks. Parties were divided on the tariff tax. Those who believed 
in "protecting" home manufactures introduced a bill laying higher duties 
on imports. This bill was bitterly opposed in the South. After the bill 
was passed by Congress, South Carolina held a convention and " nullified " 
the act. The president sent a sloop-of-war and troops to Charleston to 
enforce the collection of duties. In its next session, Congress modified 
the law so that it was not so objectionable to the South. South Carolina 
repealed her Nullification Ordinance. This administration marks the rapid 
rise of the abolition crusade. Papers and pamphlets were published, socie- 
ties were formed, and orators spoke in opposition to slavery. Congress 
refused to pass any anti-slavery laws or to interfere in any way. Locomo- 
tives came into use on railways and revolutionized the methods of civiliza- 
tion. The Whig party was formed as a successor to the National Repub- 
lican party. 

1 It was the doctrine of a large party in the South, that the Union was simply a 
compact between the states ; that any state could withdraw from this compact and 
leave the Union at its own pleasure ; that the state was supreme and not the general 
government. This was the doctrine of State Sovereignty. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 293 



445. Thought Questions. — What can be said in favor of permitting the 
president to fill the offices, under his administration, with his friends and 
adherents ? To what evils may this practice lead ? Are United States 
funds deposited in national banks to-day ? Debate : Resolved that a pro- 
tective tariff is best for the United States. Give two instances in our 
history where, through self-interest, a section has changed or modified its 
political beliefs. Compare the effects of the Alien and Sedition Laws with 
those of the Tariff Act of 1832. What do you consider the most important 
event of this administration ? 



Van Buren's Administration. 

One Term : 1 837-1 841. 

446. Services and Character of the New President. — 

Martin Van Buren was born in New York in 1782. He early 
evinced an ambition 
and a capacity for pub- 
lic service. For most ^^^jrA 
of his life, he was the , - " 
chief factor in the pol- 
itics of his state. After 
a short service as state 
senator, he was elected 
to the United States 
Senate. He was after- 
wards governor of New 
York. He espoused 
Jackson's candidacy 
for the presidency, and 
through his influence. 
New York cast her 
deciding vote for the 
old warrior. He was appointed secretary of state by President 
Jackson and resigned the governorship to accept it. He 
resigned the secretaryship after two years' service, and 




Martin Van Buren. 



294 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



shortly afterward was appointed minister to England. He was 
elected vice-president for Jackson's second term, and succeeded 
his friend to the presidency. He was an adept in practical 
politics, being expert in the organization and management of 
parties. The importance of New York's voice in national 
councils made Van Buren, who was the sovereign state's 
spokesman, a national figure, and put him on the road to the 
highest preferment. But he proved himself a statesman as 
well as a politician, and while president, he performed the 
duties of his high station with wisdom and courage. 

447. The Financial Panic. — The period preceding and 
embracing Jackson's administration had been one of great 
prosperity. Roads and canals were being built in all parts of 
the country. There was also much railway building. Such 
enterprises require large sums of money. The rapid material 
development of the country gave a headlong impulse to specu- 
lation and trade. Farms multiplied, cities sprang up, banks 
were everywhere. Every one seemed to be striving to become 
rich and to be succeeding in the effort. But the easy success 
led to over-confidence, to recklessness, and to ruin. Specula- 
tion ran wild ; people borrowed too much ; the banks loaned 
too willingly. And Jackson's policy in removing the national 
funds from the United States Bank and putting them in numer- 
ous state banks which were not always able to manage them 
wisely, unsettled financial relations and hastened the panic 
which ensued. The government lost large sums of money 
through the failure of some of the state banks. The banks of 
New York suspended in a body, and numbers of banks in other 
parts of the Union followed. Business failures were numerous, 
trade stopped, factories shut down, enterprises were aban- 
doned. 

448. The Sub-Treasury. ^ — The president called an extra 
session of Congress and in his message to the body proposed a 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 295 

new treasury plan. He advocated the government's use of 
specie^ only in its transactions. He thought it best to cut 
away from banks altogether and urged the building of govern- 
ment vaults for the safe keeping and handling of government 
funds by the government's own officers. A bill embodying the 
president's plans finally passed, in 1840, and was the beginning 
of our present modified, developed system. Vaults and safes 
were supplied in the treasury building at Washington, and in 
six of the principal cities of the Union "sub-treasuries" were 
established for government deposits and with government 
officers to receive and disburse funds. 

449. Slavery. — The abolition agitation at the North con- 
tinued and began to be of national importance. It was esti- 
mated that abolition societies contained, in 1837, hundred 
and fifty thousand members. New abolition papers were 
established and some of the Northern states made new laws 
that reflected the new ideas of the emancipation crusade. 
Elijah Lovejoy, editor of an emancipation sheet at Alton, 
Illinois, while defending his press from destruction was killed 
by the mob. The Abolitionists used the incident for political 
purposes. Wendell Phillips made his first great speech in 
behalf of the cause to which he afterward devoted his wonder- 
ful oratorical talents, in discussing the Lovejoy matter in a 
public meeting in Boston.^ Feeling at the North was divided, 
and the extreme wing of the Abolitionists was as bitterly con- 
demned by the majority of its own section as by the Southern 
people. Congress again refused to receive the numerous eman- 

1 Specie means coin of silver or gold. Paper money is only the government's 
promissory note to pay in specie. 

2 Phillips was a man of culture and independent character. He joined the ex- 
treme wing of the Abolition party that clamored for disunion. He refused to take 
the oath to support the Constitution of his country. He was afterwards a champion 
of the temperance movement, of the labor agitation, of the woman's rights crusade. 
He devoted his whole life to the advocacy of reforms of one kind or another. 



296 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



cipation petitions that came pouring in. Southern people 
became more and more restless under the continued and 
violent agitation of the Abolitionists. When a Northern mem- 
ber of Congress made a bitter abolition speech in the House, 
Southern members rose in a body to leave the hall.' 

450. Scientific Progress This period of four years saw 

the beginning of some things that greatly aided and some that 
revolutionized the methods of civilized society : Morse patented 
his magnetic telegraph ; steam vessels began to make regular 
and quick trips across the Atlantic ; James Smithson left a 
fortune for founding a scientific institution in our countr}^ ; 
Daguerre's sun-pictures began to be known and to lead the 
way to modern photography ; bold explorers sought to satisfy 
an enlightened curiosity by voyages to the regions of the north 
and of the south poles. 

451. Summary. — Speculation led to a financial panic that caused busi- 
ness failures all over the country. Public enterprises were abandoned and 
trade became stagnant. The president called an extra session of Congress 
and proposed a new plan for handling the public funds. We were to guard 
and control our own money in vaults in the treasury building in Washing- 
ton and in sub-treasuries in different parts of the country. Congress ap- 
proved the plan. Many people joined the anti-slavery crusade. However, 
the majority of the people, North and South, condemned the abolition 
agitation. This was a period of scientific advancement: the telegraph was 
patented, a bequest was received for founding a scientific institution, 
daguerreotypes began to be noticed. 

452. Thought Questions. — Give two reasons for Van Buren's failure 
to be reelected. What do you consider the most important event of this 
administration ? Why 

1 " Slade, of Vermont, in a two hours' speech, raked the institution with a merci- 
less severity such as that body had never experienced before.'" — Schouler. Wise, 
of Virginia, rose to his feet and called on his colleagues to leave the hall. But 
Slade was ruled out of order, and the body, amid much confusion, quickly adjourned. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



297 



Harrison and Tyler's Administration. 



One Term: 1841-1845. 

453. Harrison's Death. — William Henry Harrison, of 
Ohio, the hero of Tippecanoe, and a veteran of the War of 
181 2, was put forward by the Whigs ^ for the presidency. The 
party supported him with the 
greatest enthusiasm. The 
most was made of his quiet 
and modest way of living. 
He was called the "Log- 
Cabin Candidate," and a 
miniature log-cabin, with a 
barrel of cider at the door, 
was a part of every popular 
demonstration in his sup- 
port. Speakers stirred the 
pulse of the people with 
glowing accounts of his gal- 
lant military services in the 




William Henry Harrison. 



early days.^ He was triumphantly elected. But the old general 
was already in feeble health and the excitement of the campaign 
and the pressure of affairs at the beginning of the administra- 
tion proved to be too much for his shattered strength to endure. 
He died April 4, after having been president but a month.^ 

454. Services and Character of John Tyler. — John Tyler, 
the vice-president, succeeded to the presidency. He was 

1 The National Republicans began to be called Whigs during Jackson's presi- 
dency. Clay was the leader — for a number of years, the dictator — of this party. 

2 The campaign cry was " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." See § 386 for an ac- 
count of the battle of Tippecanoe. 

3 William Henry Harrison was born in Virginia in 1773. He had been governor 
of Indiana Territory twelve years. He was living in Ohio at the time of his election 
to the presidency. 



298 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



born in 1790, and was the son of a distinguished Virginia 
family. He had but to show ordinary ability to be sure of 
political preferment ; but he was possessed of much more than 
average ability. He became a member of the Virginia Legis- 
lature at twenty-one and was reelected several times. He was 
elected to Congress when he was but twenty-six and served 
two terms. In 1825, he was elected governor of his state and 

was reelected on the ex- 
piration of his first term. 
But before the expiration 
of his second term, he was 
elected to the United States 
Senate. He sat in the Sen- 
ate nine years, resigning in 
1836, because he was not 
willing to vote to expunge 
the resolution of censure on 
President Jackson as the 
Legislature of his state had 
instructed him to do. In 
1835, he was put forward 
by some of the Democratic 
states as a candidate for 
the vice-presidency, but was defeated. He was nominated for 
the same position on the Whig ticket, with Harrison for the 
head of the ticket, in 1839, and this time he was elected. 

He was a man of brilliant talents, and of independent char- 
acter. His acceptance of the nomination on the Whig ticket, 
and his succession to the presidency because of his nomina- 
tion, placed him in a false position, as most of his political 
career had been spent in the ardent advocacy of the principles 
of the Democratic party. 

455. The Bank Bills. — Congress, after the sweeping Whig 
victory, hastened to repeal the sub-treasury law enacted during 




GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 299 

the last administration. This left the government without any 
system of protecting and managing its funds ; but it was the 
purpose of Congress to provide some plan at once. Trouble 
arose over the selection of a system. Henry Clay, who 
was by common consent the leader of the party, fell back on 
the national bank plan and proposed to create a new bank 
patterned after, the old United States Bank of Philadelphia. 
His bill, creating this bank, passed both houses ; but the pres- 
ident sent it back with his veto. A second bill, changed to 
meet the president's wishes or to force his approval, favored 
by Clay and the Whig following, was passed. This bill was 
also vetoed. The party, with Clay at its head, had made the 
creation of a new bank part of its policy, and there was so 
much indignation felt at the president's course that all of his 
cabinet, except Daniel Webster, secretary of state, resigned 
their places. A plan proposed by the president did not get 
the support of Congress, and throughout his administration 
the control and preservation of the funds depended upon his 
own judgment. His management was unusually careful and 
cautious and was very successful. 

456. The Ashburton Treaty. — Recently there had been 
many collisions between American citizens and British subjects 
on the Canadian borders and on the high seas. In the eyes of 
many, our grievances had grown to such an extent that a high- 
spirited nation must, to preserve its dignity, insist upon apology 
and redress. War with Great Britain was again threatening, 
and indeed imminent. After many attempts to adjust the 
difficulties between the two countries had failed, England sent 
Lord Ashburton to Washington to treat with our secretary of 
state in settlement of disputed points. An agreement was 
reached on the most pressing matters in controversy. The 
forty-ninth parallel was decided upon as a line of boundary be- 
tween the United States and Canada, from the Great Lakes to 



300 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



the Rocky Mountains ; and the two countries entered into an 
agreement to return criminals escaped from one country to the 
other and to suppress the slave trade on the seas. 

457. Tariff Legislation The compromise tariff bill of 

1833 had been framed. to provide for a reduction of the rate of 
duty year by year. In 1842, the expenditures of the govern- 
ment exceeded the income. The Whigs thought that the 
remedy for the deficit lay in a higher tariff, and accordingly a 
bill raising the rate was enacted. 

458. The Dorr Rebellion. — In its state government, Rhode 
Island still followed the charter granted it by Charles II. of 
England. This charter granted the right to vote only to 
owners of real estate and their eldest sons. The result was a 
limited and very unequal representation. As universal suffrage 
was the method in every other state, there was much discon- 
tent felt here. Petitions and remonstrances proving useless, 
a new constitution was formed and Thomas W. Dorr was 
elected governor (1842) by a popular vote, most of the votes, 
according to the charter, being illegal. The charter or legal 
voters also elected a governor and contested the legality of the 
new constitution and of Dorr's election. Both sides took up 
arms. Dorr was arrested and tried for treason and sentenced 
to imprisonment for life. But the next year legal voters and 
delegates elected by those who had no right to vote, met by 
common consent in the same convention, and framed a new 
constitution which removed most of the restrictions com- 
plained of. Dorr, after a short imprisonment, was pardoned. 

459. The Mormons. — Joseph Smith, a native of Vermont, 
produced a book which, he said, was a revelation from God. 
Mormon was represented as the author of the book, and the 
agent of the divine revelation. With this book, Smith founded 
a new religious sect. The people who adopted the faith were 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 3OI 

called Mormons. The Mormons founded a settlement at Nau- 
voo, Illinois. One of their doctrines was that a man might 
have several wives at the same time. Their faith and practices 
were severely condemned by the people around them. In- 
dignation rose to such a pitch that in a riot Smith was killed 
(1844). Under the leadership of Brigham Young, the Mor- 
mons emigrated to the desert region near Salt Lake in Utah. 
By bringing the water from the mountains to their barren 
territory they made it productive, and the Mormons were soon 
among the most prosperous people in the country. Salt Lake 
City became a rich and beautiful city. 

460. The Telegraph. — Professor Morse had already secured 
a patent for his invention, the magnetic telegraph, but he was 
not able to build telegraph 
lines to test his instrument 
properly. Aid was asked 
of Congress. After years 
of waiting, $30,000 was ap- 
propriated to build a line 
between Washington and 
Baltimore, a distance of 
forty miles. The line was 
completed in 1844, and the 
message, "What hath God 
wrought ? " was sent from 
Washington to Baltimore 
by Professor Morse in the 
presence of many distin- 

Professor Morse. 

guished people. There are 

now thousands of miles of telegraph lines, connecting, in 
instant communication, cities and hamlets all over the world. 

461. Extension of Territory : The Annexation of Texas. — 

The vast stretch of the continent bordering on the Pacific 




302 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 




Ocean and the Rio Grande, formerly held by Spain, now be- 
longed to Mexico, that nation having thrown off the Spanish 
yoke. This territory included what is now Texas, New 
Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, 
Utah, and part of Colorado. Piece by 
piece, in one way or another, it all came 
into the possession of the United States. 
Texas ^ was our first acquisition from it. 

Mexico, in an effort to people Texas, 
had offered grants of land to immigrants. 
Some Southern states formed Texas col- 
onies. In the course of a few years, 
^, , ,, ^, settlers from the United States were more 

The " Lone Star " Flag. 

numerous in Texas than Mexicans. These 
pioneers in the wilderness carried with them the love of free- 
dom and the notions of government they had imbibed in our 
own country. Before long, they were in revolt against the 
arbitrary and imperious government of Mexico. The Texans 
were hardy, liberty-loving settlers, but they were poorly armed 
and without military training. The Mexican army was com- 
posed of regular soldiers, and with the parent state to sustain 
it with supplies and reenforcements. The Texans fought for 
what they conceived to be their right ; the Mexicans to retain 
their possessions. The moral advantage was on the side of the 
settlers and they won in the struggle. The Mexican yoke was 
thrown off and Texas' independence was declared (March 2, 
1836).^ 

1 By virtue of Louisiana purchase we claimed Texas through the years 1803- 
1819, See §§ 375, 415. 

2 The two most important actions of the Texas Revolution were the siege of the 
Alamo and the battle of San Jacinto. One hundred and forty-four Texans taking 
refuge in the Alamo in San Antonio, an old Spanish building combining a church 
and a fort, were besieged by a force of four thousand Mexicans. A small relief, party 
of thirty-two Texans made their way to the inside of the fort. After eleven days 
resistance the fort was taken by storm and every Texan killed (March, 1836). At 



of 
A.t 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 3O3 

But Mexico did not acknowledge the independence of Texas, 
and made unsuccessful efforts afterward to conquer the state. 
The Texans set up a republican government modeled after 
that of the United 
States. The United 
States and England 
and France acknow- 
ledged her independ- 
ence. But it was the 
desire of the Texans 
to be annexed to the 
United States, and ad- 
vances looking toward 
this union had been 
made in Jackson's, 
Van Buren's, and 
Tyler's administra- 
tions. The United 
States, however, hung 
back ; so long as Mex- 

S m Ho ton 

ICO regarded lexas as 

only a revolted province, yet to be brought back to allegiance, 
any interference on the part of our country could but bring 
on a war with Mexico. But additions to the population of 
Texas from the United States continued, and the feeling in 
favor of annexation grew stronger. President Tyler was in 
favor of annexation and encouraged the Texans to urge their 
propositions. Finally, the question became a national issue. 
Against the project, it was urged that Texas would add a vast 

San Jacinto (near the present city of Houston) General Sam Houston, with seven 
hundred Texans, routed the Mexican army of 1500 (April 21, 1836). Santa Anna, 
the President of Mexico, was taken prisoner and a treaty of peace was effected. 
During the nine years of her existence as an independent republic, Texas had the 
following presidents: (1) David G. Burnet (provisional); (2) Sam Houston; (3) 
M, B. Lamar; (4) Sam Houston; (5) Anson Jones. 




304 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



territory to the slave section of our country ; that we would in- 
volve ourselves in a war with Mexico by annexing her revolted 
province ; and that we had no moral right to Texas until Mex- 
ico renounced her claims. On the other hand, it was held that 
the balance between the free and the slave territory ought to be 
preserved by this annexation ; that the union would give us a 
vast fertile tract to add to our domain ; ^ and that Texas had 
fairly earned her independence, which independence Mexico 
never would formally recognize if left to herself. The objec- 




The Alamo, San Antonio. 



tions came chiefly from the North. The Southern people were 
in favor of annexation. Polk, the candidate put forward for 
the presidency by the Democrats, was in favor of annexation. 
Clay, the Whig candidate, was opposed to it. Polk was elected 
and his success was due largely to his position on this matter. 
As soon as the result of the election was known, a bill annex- 
ing Texas was brought up in Congress, was passed, and was 
signed by President Tyler just three days before the expiration 
of his term. 

1 Texas contains more than 262,000 square miles of territory. It is larger than 
all the New England and Middle Atlantic States together. Daniel Webster said it 
was so large a bird could not fly over it in a week. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 305 



462. Florida and Iowa Admitted. — During the last year of 
this administration, Congress admitted Florida and Iowa to the 
Union as states : but Iowa did not comply with the terms and 
become a state till a year later. 

463. Summary. — President Harrison died after having served but a 
month, and John Tyler, vice-president, became president. The sub-treas- 
ury bill of Van Buren's administration was repealed. The Whig party, 
which had elected Tyler, passed bills through Congress establishing a new 
national bank. The president vetoed the bills. Congress would not adopt 
the plan proposed by the president. The funds were governed only by the 
president's judgment and care. The Ashburton Treaty settled the north- 
ern boundary of the United States as far west as the Rocky Mountains. 
The forty-ninth parallel was made the dividing line. The tariff rate was 
raised. The Dorr Rebellion in Rhode Island grew out of the desire of the 
people for universal suffrage. The old charter was set aside and suffrage 
was granted as in other states. A telegraph line was built between Wash- 
ington and Baltimore and the first message was sent in 1844. Texas, 
a Mexican province, had been colonized from our Southern states. The 
colonists revolted and in 1836 gained their independence. The people of 
Texas wished to annex their republic to the United States. In the presi- 
dential election. Polk, who was in favor of annexation, defeated Clay, who 
was opposed to it. Texas was annexed three days before Tyler's term ex- 
pired. Florida and Iowa were admitted during the last year (1845), hut 
Iowa did not enter till one year later. 

464. Thought Questions. — Contrast Tyler's popularity before and 
after his inauguration as president. Account for the change. Mention 
the important tariff bills passed in the last three administrations. How 
did the acquisition of Texas differ from the previous acquisitions of terri- 
tory ? What European first travelled through Texas ? By whom was the 
first attempt at settlement made ? By what different nations has Texas 
been claimed ? What do you consider the most important event in this 
administration ? 



3o6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Polk's Administration. 

One Term: 1845-1849. 

465. Services and Character of the New President. — 

James K. Polk was born in North Carolina, in 1795, and lived 
to the age of fifty-four ; through most of his life, his home was 
in Tennessee, to which state the family had removed in his 
boyhood. He became a member of the Tennessee Legislature 

at the age of 28. He was a 
friend of Andrew Jackson, 
and assisted in electing this 
illustrious Tennesseean to 
the United States Senate. 
He became a congressman, 
and had fourteen years' con- 
secutive service. He was 
twice elected speaker of the 
House. After retiring from 
Congress, he was elected 
governor of his state. He 
had not been publicly an- 
nounced as a candidate for 
the presidency when the Democratic convention met in 1844; 
but none of the prominent candidates could secure the neces- 
sary two-thirds vote, so Mr. Polk was put forward by his 
friends as a compromise candidate and was nominated. Polk 
was a man of ability, careful and painstaking in investigation, 
prompt and decided in execution. In his inaugural, he named 
four measures which he wished to signalize his administration.-^ 
He accomplished all of them. 

1 " There are four great measures which are to be the measures of my administra- 
tion : One, a reduction of the tariff ; another, the independent treasury ; a third, the 
settlement of the Oregon boundary question, and lastly, the acquisition of Califor- 
nia."' — Schouler^s History of the Utiited State's, Vol. IV, p. 498, 




GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 3O7 



466. The Oregon Boundary. - — The convention which nomi- 
nated Polk proclaimed as one of the policies of the party the 
"re-occupation of Oregon." The northwestern boundary of 
the United States had never been determined.^ The United 
States insisted that the line 
should run at 54° 40' north 
latitude, the southern extrem- 
ity of Alaska, while Great 
Britain contended that the 
Columbia River, in latitude 
46°, was the proper bound- 
ary. There had already been 
much discussion of the mat- 
ter; during Polk's adminis- 
tration negotiations were 
again begun, which were finally concluded by an agreement 
that the parallel of 49° should mark the boundary of the United 
States on the west side of the mountains as it did on the east 
side (§ 456). These negotiations bring to mind the history 
of Oregon — a history instructive in the methods of Western 
exploration and settlement. 

467. The Oregon Trail. — In 1791, Robert Gray, command- 
ing a trading-vessel fitted out by some enterprising merchants 
of Boston, discovered the mouth of a river on our western 
coast and sailed up its course fourteen miles. He named the 
river "Columbia," which was the name of the ship he com- 
manded.^ During the last months of 1805, Lewis and Clarke 
(§376) explored the Columbia from its sources in the mountains 

1 A treaty made in 1818 between Great Britain and the United States provided 
for the joint occupation by the two powers of the region between the Russian terri- 
tory of Alaska and tiie Spanish territory of California, 

2 The owners of the Columbia intended that she should visit our western coast, 
buy a cargo of furs from the Indians and traders, then sail across to China and ex- 
change the furs for tea and return to Boston. After an absence of three years, the 
Columbia returned to Boston having made the voyage as planned. 




3o8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



to its mouth in the Pacific. In 1808, the Missouri Fur Company 
of St. Louis was organized for the purpose of opening up trade 
with this Columbia River region. An agent sent into this 
country established a trading post, Fort Henry, on the Lewis 
River. Mr. John Jacob Astor, a rich merchant of New York 
City, became interested in this Northwestern territory and put 
in operation a liberal plan for establishing trading posts on the 




Astoria in 1813 



Columbia. In 1810, he sent a company of men around by 
Cape Horn to the mouth of the river and another company 
from St. Louis, overland, to unite with the first. The two com- 
panies, uniting in 1 8 1 2, formed a settlement which, in honor of the 
patron of the undertaking, they called Astoria.^ A third com- 
pany sent out from New York on shipboard reached Astoria in 
the latter part of the same year (18 12). But the English coveted 
this same region and expeditions from Canada sought to occupy 
the country. A bitter competition sprang up between the settlers 
from the United States and those from Canada. When the 



^ See living's " Astoria." 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 3O9 



news of the War of 18 12 reached this remote region, the 
officers of the Astor company sold their interests to the Eng- 
lish company and retired from the field. After peace was de- 
clared, though there was no organized movement, an unnoticed 
immigration of adventurous trappers and settlers to the Oregon 
region began and continued for years ; so that gradually trading 
from this region was resumed and settlement of it proceeded.-^ 
In 1835, Marcus Whitman went with a small party of mission- 
aries to the Columbia region. In the next year, Whitman went 
through to Fort Boise, on the Lewis River, in a wagon, demon- 
strating the possibility of wagon-train emigration to the Oregon 
country. In 1840, the settlers in Oregon numbered about one 
hundred and fifty.^ The agents of the English fur companies 
did everything in their power to prevent the settlement of the 
region from the United States. But finding that settlement 
continued nevertheless, they determined to meet settlement 
from the United States with settlement from Canada. Arrange- 
ments were made to bring in a body of emigrants from Canada. 
Dr. Whitman, hearing of this proposed invasion, and knowing 
that the plan, if intelligently executed, would take Oregon from 
the United States, resolved to save the region for which he had 
done so much. On horseback, he returned to St. Louis and 
then proceeded to Washington. The Ashburton treaty (§ 456) 
had just been concluded and the boundary of Oregon was still 
left open. Dr. Whitman made up a train of two hundred wagons 
and led it to Oregon. When Polk became president in 1845, 
our people had such a hold on this region that the cry was 
"fifty-four forty or fight." The final settlement of the boundary 
at 49° threw the Columbia River well within our territory. 

1 In 1832, Captain Bonneville led a wagon train across the Wind River Moun- 
tains into the Green River Valley. See Irving's " Captain Bonneville." In the same 
year, Nathaniel J. Wyeth led a party from New England to Fort Vancouver. Wyeth 
afterward led a second and larger expedition to the same region and began settle- 
ment in the Willamette Valley. See " Nathaniel J. Wyeth and the Struggle for Ore- 
gon" in Harper's Magazine for November, 1892. 

2 Drake, " The Making of the Great West." 



3IO HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



IVAJ? WITH MEXICO. 



468. The Annexation of Texas : the Beginning of the 
War with Mexico. — On June 23, 1845, Texas accepted the 
terms of admission fixed by the national Congress the 
previous March, and became one of the states. The Texans 
claimed the Rio Grande as the western boundary of their new 
state, while the Mexicans insisted that the Nueces River was the 
northeastern boundary of Mexico. The strip between the two 
rivers was about a hundred miles across and contained some 
valuable territory. The United States upheld Texas in claim- 
ing the Rio Grande boundary and prepared to help maintain it. 
General Zachary Taylor, with a force of about five thousand 
men, was directed to occupy and hold the disputed territory. 
He established a depot of supplies at Point Isabel, on the Gulf, 
and then,' with a part of his men, marched a few miles up the 
Texas side of the Rio Grande and built Fort Brown opposite 
Matamoras. Detachments from the Mexican army, concen- 
trated at Matamoras, crossed the Rio Grande both above and 
below Fort Brown. On April 23, 1846, the detachment above 
the fort fell in with a company of our troops, killed and 
wounded sixteen of our countrymen, and captured the re- 
mainder of the party. The message which the president sent 
to Congress on May 11, 1846, stated that: "War exists, and 
notwithstanding all our efforts to avoid it, exists by the act of 
Mexico herself." Congress at once declared war, and voted 
money and called for volunteers to carry on the campaign. 

469. The First Battles : Palo Alto ; Resaca de la Palma. 

— Taylor prepared to strengthen his position at Fort Brown. 
Fearing that the Mexicans would cut him off from Point Isabel, 
his base of supplies, he fell back with the body of his troops to 
strengthen the defenses of this depot on the Gulf. The Mexi- 
cans in Matamoras, having been witnesses of this movement to 
the rear, mistook its cause and sent a large force across the 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



river to capture Fort Brown, which had been left with a garri- 
son of about three hundred men. Taylor completed his work 
as rapidly as possible and with a force of two thousand men 
began his return to Fort Brown, When 
he reached Palo Alto, near the fort, his 
forces found themselves suddenly con- 
fronted by six thousand Mexicans pre- 
pared to give battle. The engagement 
that followed was a victory for the 
Americans. The Mexicans fell back. 
The next day (May 9), at Resaca de la 
Palma, within three miles of Fort Brown, 
the Mexicans again intercepted the Americans and forced an 
engagement. The Mexican army was completely routed, and 
this time, in its retreat, did not stop till it was safely across the 
river and under the protection of the guns of Matamoras. 




470. Invasion of Mexico : Capture of Monterey ; Battle 
of Buena Vista. — A few days after these battles on Texas 
soil, General Taylor crossed the Rio Grande and captured 
Matamoras. He then pushed forward towards the interior of 
Mexico. He was delayed about four months waiting for reen- 
forcements and necessary provisions. With an army of 6600 
men, he began the siege, September 21, of the strongly fortified 
town of Monterey, which was defended by 12,000 Mexican 
troops. After three days of hard fighting, the town, with its 
military stores, was captured and the Mexicans were allowed 
to evacuate. The capture of Monterey was a great victory, 
because it was won against such odds both of numbers and 
position. 

Taylor's next engagement was at Buena Vista. General 
Scott, who had been sent to Mexico as commander-in-chief of 
our forces, and who meant to push forward rapidly from the 
coast into the heart of the country, had detached most of 



312 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Taylor's troops to his own support in the coming campaign. 
Santa Anna, who was now the commander of the Mexican 
forces, had already gathered an army of 20,000 men for the 
purpose of attacking Taylor. Hearing, now, of the removal 
of the main part of Taylor's army to another part of the \ 
country to aid General Scott, this shrewd Mexican captain 
moved forward rapidly with the intention of annihilating the 
remnant of General Taylor's forces. The opposing armies 
(20,000 Mexicans, about 7500 Americans) met at a pass in the 
mountains near Buena Vista (February 27, 1847), and after a 
day's desperate fighting the Mexicans were defeated and driven 
from the field. 



471. General Scott's Campaign. — As has been said, it was 
General Scott's purpose to march on to the heart of the 
enemy's country. But he had to begin at the coast. On the 
9th of March, with his own troops and the reenforcements from 
Taylor's army (numbering 12,000 men in all) he began the 

siege of Vera Cruz. The 
city surrendered on the 
27th of the same month. 

The army now began 
its march towards the capi- 
tal. Santa Anna, with a 
large force, took up a posi- 
tion in the rocky pass of 




Cerro Gordo, in the path of our army, prepared to resist its 
further progress. The Mexicans were routed from their posi- 
tion, three thousand of them were taken prisoners, and military 
stores sufficient to equip an army were captured (April 18, 
1847). On the march forward there were many minor engage- 
ments. The Mexicans fortified every strong position along the 
route our army must take. But one by one these positions 
were carried, and the advanced Mexican troops were rapidly 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



forced back on the city. On September 14, 1847, the capital 
itself was taken and the American flag waved triumphantly over 
the city of the Montezumas. 

The treaty which followed involved even more territory than 
that of Texas, and some account of the simultaneous movement 
of the West must be given. 

472. The Acquisition of California. — " California was, in 
1846, an outlying and neglected Mexican province." ^ It was 
believed in the United States that England coveted this Mexi- 
can province. It is certain that the authorities of the United 
States hoped to annex it to our own country and were willing 
to aid in bringing about the thing they wished. Captain John 
C. Fremont, who had twice before led exploring expedi- 
tions across the Rocky Mountains, reached California with 
a third party, January, 1846. It was undoubtedly Captain Fre- 
mont's purpose to do what he could towards acquiring Califor- 
nia.^ The tie between the province and the parent country 
was very weak; England, France, and our own country were 
jealously and covetously watching the course of events, antici- 
pating dismemberment ; as California was in the line of our 
national development, and as there were already many of our 
countrymen settled in the northern part, it was felt that we had 
the best chance and the best right. Captain Fremont con- 

^ Royce, " California." Following this sentence, is an excellent description of Cali- 
fornia at that time : we take space to give a brief passage from it. " Its missions, 
once prosperous, had had their estates in large part secularized during the latter 
years, had fallen into decay, were now helpless and sometimes in ruins. The mission 
Indians had in large part disappeared. The Church was no longer a power. The 
white population was made up principally of Spanish and Mexican colonists, whose 
chief industry was raising cattle for the hides and tallow, and whose private lives 
were free, careless, and on the whole, as this world goes, moderately charming and 
innocent." 

2 There had been much controversy as to the extent of Captain Fremont's author- 
ity and instructions from the government ; but there can be no doubt at all as to his 
own intention, which was to take the shortest possible road to the acquisition of the 
province. — See Royce and H. H. Bancroft. 



314 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



cerned himself only about the chance. Soon after the captain 
encamped in the vicinity of the American settlers in the Sutter's 
Fort region, they began to hear alarming rumors of a move- 
ment on the part of the 
Mexican government to 
expel them from Califor- 
nian territory. Anticipat- 
ing this hostile movement 
against them, the set- 
tlers organized a force, 
marched over to the mili- 

d Sutter's Fort. - ^ 

tary post of Sonoma, cap- 
tured it, sent some of its officers as prisoners to Sutter's Fort, 
raised a flag on which the figure of a bear had been rudely drawn 
with berry juice, and declared a free and independent republic 
(June 14, 1846), Captain Fremont at once became the leader 
of the Bear Flag Revolutionists. 
The towns and posts around So- 
noma were taken almost without a 
struggle. But at this time, news of 
the United States' declaration of 
war against Mexico reached the 
western coast, and on July 7, Com- 
modore Sloat, whose ships had been 
hovering along the coast, took pos- 
session of Monterey (a short dis- 
tance below San Francisco) and raised the flag of the United 
States. Northern California, now under the control of Fremont, 
took down the Bear flag and raised the flag of the United States. 
The conquest of California was speedily and easily accomplished. 

473. Mew Mexico Taken. — After war was declared against 
Mexico, General Kearney was sent with a force to make a con- 
quest of New Mexico. He did not meet with much opposition. 





GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



On August 18, 1846, our flag was raised over Santa Fe, and 
New Mexico was declared annexed to the United States. 

474. The Treaty. — The treaty which followed (in Febru- 
ary, 1848) the fall of Mexico City gave us Texas, California, 
Utah, Arizona, and part of Colorado, nearly a million square 
miles of territory. In return, the United States agreed to pay 
Mexico $15,000,000, and to pay claims of our citizens against 
Mexico, to the amount of $3,250,000. 



475. Gold in California. — There were many things — a 
fertile soil, a mild and equable climate, a commanding position 
upon the western coast — which made the United States wish 
for California. But between the time of its conquest and the 
signing of the treaty with Mexico - — after we had forcibly taken 
California, but before Mexico had formally relinquished it — gold 
w^as discovered on the rivers, and it was soon apparent that 
California was a prize rich beyond our most sanguine expecta- 
tions. In January, 1848, a workman in deepening a mill-race 
with a flood of water, saw washed upon the banks of the seeth- 
ing stream little shining particles that he thought might be 
gold. A quantity of the metal, tested in a rude way by Captain 
Sutter, the owner of the mill, bore the test so well that all 
doubts w^ere dismissed. Though an attempt was made to keep 
the discovery a secret, it was revealed in some way and the 
news spread like wildfire. The first prospectors found gold in 
many other places in the same region. The native population 
abandoned all other pursuits for gold-digging; stores were 
locked up, shops w^ere closed, fields w^re left half-plowed, 
crops remained unharvested. As the news spread, the popula- 
tion of the whole western coast, Indians, Chinese, Mexicans, 
and Americans, flocked to the scene of the discovery. 



3i6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



476. The Gold Fever of 1849.— It was not till late in 1848 
that the news reached the eastern states. But when it did 
reach there, and when authentic reports from its California 
representatives were published by the government, excitement 
ran as high here as on the western coast. Great numbers of 
people began preparations to go to California in the spring. 
There were three routes from the East to this El Dorado of the 
West : one, the longest, around Cape Horn ; another, to the 
Isthmus of Panama, across it, and up the western coast; the 
third, overland across the continent. Soon, along all these 
routes, there were streams of sanguine pilgrims, brave to dare 
any dangers in the search for the golden fleece. At the close 
of the year (1849), there were more than one hundred thousand 
people in California. San Francisco had grown — without rail- 
roads — from a village of two thousand people to a city of 
twenty thousand, and Sacramento from a group of four houses 
to a town of ten thousand inhabitants. Some of these adven- 
turous pioneers, "forty-niners," as they were called, won fabu- 
lous fortunes; many, modest ones; and the procession they 
began marched on for several years after this. 

477- Summary. — The northern boundary of Oregon was fixed at the 
forty-ninth parallel. Texas and Mexico had a dispute over the western 
boundary of Texas. The United States sent troops to help maintain the 
claim of Texas. War followed (i 846-1 848). The Americans were victori- 
ous in all the battles and eventually captured the capital, Mexico City. 
The treaty which followed gave us a large western territory : Texas, Cali- 
fornia, Utah, Arizona, and part of Colorado. California and New Mexico 
were won by separate campaigns ; John C. Fremont led the expedition to 
California, General Kearney that to New Mexico, Gold was discovered in 
California in 1848. Rapid emigration to the territory followed. 

478. Thought Questions. — Name the men who did the most toward 
the acquisition of Oregon by the United States. How do you account for 
the failure of the Mexican troops to win a single battle in the war with the 
United States ? Contrast the success of our invasion of Mexico with the 
failure of our invasion of Canada. Give reason for the difference. Whom 
do you consider the greatest general in the Mexican war. Show how 
Jefferson's purchase of Louisiana led to the war with Mexico. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. ^if 

Taylor's and Fillmore's Administrations. 

One Term : 1849-1853. 

479. Services and Characters of the Presidents. — Zachary 
Taylor was born in Virginia (1784), but his father removed to 
Kentucky and took up residence there while Zachary was yet 
an infant. The boy grew up under the pioneer conditions of 
this western state. In his 
youth he had very little for- 
mal education and saw little 
of the world. His father 
had been a soldier in the 
Revolutionary army and an 
older brother was an officer 
in the United States army. 
At the age of twenty-four 
he entered the army him- 
self, became a lieutenant 
and afterward a captain. 
In the War of 18 12, he 
distinguished himself in the 
defense of one of the out- 
posts in Indiana. In the 
decisive battle against Black Hawk and his warriors (§ 438) 
Taylor commanded the troops of the regular army. His great- 
est early distinction was won by his wonderful march of a 
hundred and fifty miles into the everglades of Florida in the 
pursuit of the Seminoles. The Indians who had eluded so 
many officers did not escape him. He penetrated to their 
chief village and defeated them in a bloody battle. After 
a year's prosecution of the war in different parts of this Florida 
wilderness, the chiefs were forced to surrender ; and with their 
people, they were removed across the Mississippi. An account 




3i8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



of the officer's brilliant work in the Mexican War has already 
been given. He was nominated for president by the Whig party. 

Though almost wholly uneducated, the president had learned 
in a stern, though narrow, school of experience. He was 



1800. He began the practice of law soon after reaching his 
majority. After serving a few terms in the state Legislature, 
he was elected to Congress in 1830, and was reelected three 
times. He was comptroller of his state when he was nomi- 
nated for the vice-presidency. 

480. The Problem of the Administration.— The problem 
of this administration was the proper organization of the vast 
territory acquired from Mexico during the previous administra- 
tion. At first, Congress failed to make any provision for the 
government of California, and for nearly two years, the prov- 
ince rested under the control of military officers appointed 
before the treaty was signed. But President Taylor wished to 
have both California and New Mexico become organic parts of 




frank, sincere, and in- 
corruptible, brave and 
determined. He gained 
the presidency because 
of his military reputa- 
tion; but he won the 
respect of the nation as 
the highest civil officer 
of the land. He died 
in July, 1850, after one 
year's service as presi- 
dent, and the viccrpresi- 
dent succeeded to the 
presidency. 



Millard Fillmore. 



Millard Fillmore was 
born in New York in 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 319 

the Union as soon as possible. He sent agents to both territo- 
ries for the purpose- of urging the people to ask for admission, 
and of advising them as to the best method to reach this end. 
In California, a constitutional convention was called by the 
military governor. The constitution which it framed was 
adopted almost unanimously by the people (November 13, 
1849), and state officers were elected. Under this organiza- 
tion and this constitution, the territory asked for admission as 
a state. It sent congressmen and senators to Washington. A 
clause in its constitution, prohibiting slavery, caused trouble 
and delay. The old controversy as to whether new territory 
should enter the Union " free " or " slave " arose again with 
greater intensity and bitterness. 

481. The Conflicting Opinions. — The extreme party at the 
North insisted that slavery should be prohibited in all the terri- 
tory acquired from Mexico.-^ As heretofore, some of the South- 
ern leaders urged that the territories should decide for them- 
selves whether they should enter the Union as " slave " or 
"free" states. Others wanted the line of the Missouri Com- 
promise drawn to the Pacific. 

482. The Compromise of 1850. — Henry Clay, "The Great 
Peace-Maker," brought forward in January a compromise 
measure, which, because of the many interests it included, was 
called the Omnibus Bill. These were its provisions : (i) The 
speedy admission of California as a free state ; (2) Territorial 
governments in New Mexico and Utah without any restrictions 
upon slavery; (3) The payment to Texas of ten million dollars 
for her claim to a part of the territory of New Mexico ; (4) 
Slavery was not to be abolished in the District of Columbia 
without the consent of Maryland, but the slave trade therein 

1 The Wilmot Proviso, introduced in Congress during the progress of the war, 
sought to prohibit, beforehand, the introduction of slavery into any of the territory 
that might be acquired. It did not become a law. 



320 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



was prohibited; (5) A more effective fugitive slave-law; 
(6) Denial to Congress of all power to interfere with the slave 
trade between slave-holding states.-^ This bill became law. 

The debate upon this bill extended over seven months and 
was carried on by men who made national reputations in its 
discussion and by others, already famous, who remain our 
country's greatest orators. Webster, Clay, and Calhoun, the 
great statesmen who had been powerful in shaping the policy 
of our government for a quarter of a century, were in their old 
age again in their places in the Senate ; and all of them pre- 
sented eloquent arguments and all of them supported the gen- 
eral provisions of the bill.^ Among others who participated in 
the debate were Jefferson Davis, who took positive and aggres- 
sive Southern ground, and William H. Seward, of New York, 
an impassioned anti-slavery orator. 

483. The Fugitive-Slave Agitation. — The Fugitive-Slave 
Law, which was a part of the compromise, provided that run- 
away slaves might be claimed by their owners in any territory : 
it directed federal officers to aid the master in securing fugi- 
tives ; it allowed the master to present proofs of ownership and 
identity, but denied the slave the right to testify.^ In the 
Northern states the arrest of fugitive slaves, under this law, 
was resisted. One slave in Syracuse and another in Boston 

^ " To please the North, California was to be admitted, and the slave depots here 
in the District were to be broken up. To please the slave states a stringent fugitive- 
slave act was to be passed and slavery was to have a chance to get into the new terri- 
tories. The support of the senators and representatives from Texas was to be gained 
by a liberal adjustment of boundary and by the assumption of a large portion of their 
state debt." — Salmo7t P. Chase, Senate, February 3, 1854. 

2 Mr. Calhoun was too feeble to deliver his speech on this bill, but he sat in the 
Senate while it was read by a friend. This was Calhoun's last appearance in the 
Senate. He died March 31, 1850. Clay and Webster died two years later; Clay, 
June 28, 1852 ; Webster, October 24, 1852. 

3 Webster had contended for trial by jury in the question of ownership and iden- 
tity. He wished to provide against the fraudulent capture of negroes by adventurers. 
But no case of a fraudulent claim of this kind, was ever discovered. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



321 



were taken from officers by mob force and secretly hurried out 
of the country. Several Northern states passed Personal Liber- 
ty Bills " nullifying " the fugitive-slave law. The Abolitionists 
established routes and stations from the South to Canada by 
means of which " underground railways," as they were called, 
slaves were aided to escape from the United States. Webster, 
Choate, and many of the Northern statesmen defended the law 
or advocated compliance with it. Seward and the Abolitionists 
asserted that the obligation to conscience was higher than the 
obligation to the law of the land. 

484. Railroad Development. — In the year 185 1, the Erie 
Railroad, the longest in the country at the time (470 miles), 
was formally opened. The president, and several members of 
his cabinet, rode the full length of the track and joined in the 
jubilee exercises by speaking at the larger towns. Before the 
close of the administration, 10,087 miles of road had been con- 
strudied. In March, 1853, Congress ordered an exploration at 
public expense to ascertain the best route for a railroad to the 
Pacific Ocean. 

485. Summary. — President Taylor died after a little more than a 
year's service, and Vice-President Fillmore succeeded to the presidency. 
California adopted a constitution in 1849 ^'^'^'^ asked for admission to the 
Union. Controversy arose as to whether it should be admitted as "free " 
or " slave " territory. Henry Clay offered the Omnibus Bill (1850) as a 
compromise measure. California was admitted as a free state ; New 
Mexico and Utah were to have territorial governments mthout restrictions 
as to slavery. A new and severe fugitive-slave bill aroused great opposi- 
tion at the North. Secret routes and stations (nicknamed " underground 
railways ") were arranged to aid the flight of runaway slaves. Railroads de- 
veloped rapidly : the administration closed with 10,000 miles of track and 
an order for a survey for a route to the Pacific Ocean. 

486. Thought Questions. — What reference to fugitive slaves was con- 
tained in the provisions of the New England Confederation ? In the 
Ordinance of 1787 ? In the Constitution of the United States ? What 
was the most important event of this administration ? 



322 



HISTORY OF OUK COUNTRY. 



Pierce's Administration. 
One Term: 1853-1857 

487. Services and Character of the New President.— 

Franklin Pierce (born in New Hampshire in 1804) was the son 
of a distinguished family and had excellent early advantages of | 
education and association. At twenty-five, he entered the state 
Legislature ; at twenty-nine, the House of Representatives ; and 
at thirty-three, the United 
States Senate. After serv- 
ing five years in the Senate, 
he resigned his seat and 
resumed the practice of law 
at Concord, New Hamp- 
shire. He declined to go 
into President Polk's cab- 
inet as ■ attorney- general. 
He also refused to be con- 
sidered for the Democratic 
nomination for governor of 
his state. When the Mexi- 
can War came up, he en- 
listed as a volunteer. He 
was quickly advanced to the rank of brigadier-general ; and in 
General Scott's march to the Mexican capital he rendered signal 
service. He was nominated for the presidency by the Demo- 
cratic party in 1852, and was elected over General Scott, who 
was the Whig candidate. He was a man of aggressive temper, 
was true to his friends and to his party, and was fearless and 
persevering in the execution of his policies. 

488. Slavery : The Kansas and Nebraska Bill. — Not 

all of the pioneers who started for the Pacific coast reached the 
Californian El Dorado. Some stopped on the way, fearing to 




GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



risk the dangerous journey across the mountains. The great 
plain west of the Missouri was settled by these travelers who 
found it impossible to reach the extreme west. 

Senator Douglas of Illinois, chairman of the committee on 
territories, had become interested in this " Platte Country " ^ 
and proposed to organize it into territories. His bill, intro- 
duced in January, 1854,^ divided this region into two parts, the 
northern part called Nebraska, and the southern part Kansas. 
Both of the proposed territories lay within the limits of the 
Louisiana purchase and north of 36° 30' and were therefore, 
under the provisions of the Missouri Compromise, free terri- 
tory. The Kansas-Nebraska bill, however, proposed to set 
aside this part of the Missouri Compromise and to leave the 
people of the territory to say, when they asked for admission 
as a state, whether they would permit slavery. The bill was 
strongly opposed by those who were "fighting slavery. It was 
condemned as a flagrant violation of the Missouri Compromise, 
which, by its own terms, was to last forever. Senator Douglas 
contended that the great compromise Omnibus Bill of 1850 
virtually repealed the Missouri Compromise by setting forth 
the principle that Congress should not interfere with new terri- 
tory by legislating either freedom or slavery into it, and by de- 
claring the people's right to decide about slavery in their own 
domain.^ For months, the bill was the subject of debate in 

1 This great plain was called the " Platte Country" from the Platte River, which 
was its chief physical feature. 

2 On January 4, 1854, Senator Douglas introduced a bill for the organization of 
Nebraska Territory. This bill provided that the people, by their own constitution, 
should decide whether slavery should be permitted within the limits of the state. In 
other words, the existence of slavery or of freedom within Nebraska was not to be 
considered by Congress when the territory applied for admission as a state. On 
January 23, Senator Douglas offered the bill described above as a substitute for the 
bill of January 4. The second bill expressly repealed that part of the Missouri Com- 
promise (Section 8) which the first bill was said to violate indirectly. 

3 The Omnibus Bill provided that New Mexico and Utah should be admitted 
without any restrictions as to slavery. 



324 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Congress. It became a national issue, and was the subject of 
bitter controversy in the newspapers and on the stump. It was 
passed in May. It created two new territories. It expressly 
repealed that part of the Missouri Compromise which said that 
the territory north of 36° 30' should be forever free. The 
authority for deciding upon slavery was taken from Congress 
and was given to the people of the territories.^ 

489. The Struggle for Kansas. — Between the North and 
the South, a struggle began for supremacy in Kansas. Indeed, 
in the North, preparations to colonize Kansas with free settlers 
began while the bill was pending. In April, 1854, the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature granted a charter to " The Massachusetts 
Emigrant Aid Society" which, with a capital stock of five 
million dollars, prepared to organize a far-reaching system of 
Kansas emigration.^ But this first attempt at colonization was 
not very successful. The next year, a second charter was 
granted by the Massachusetts Legislature, this time to the 
" New England Emigrant Society," which society was duly or- 
ganized, obtained contributions to the amount of $140,000, and 
was more successful than the first one had been. In July, 
1854, however, through the influence and direct aid of the 
original Massachusetts Company, a body of Massachusetts 
emigrants set out on their way to Kansas. The news of the 
journey to the West, heralded far and wide in the press, proved 
a wonderful stimulus in inducing others to aid in getting con- 
trol of the territory ; so that by the end of the year, Kansas 
had a population of several thousand " sons of freedom." The 
South made no organized attempt at colonization, but it looked 
on the Northern movement with a jealous eye. The slave- 

1 The settlers in this V^estern country were often called " Squatters," and their 
right to decide upon slavery was often spoken of as " Squatter Sovereignty." 

2 This charter was the result of the work of Eli Thayer, who was a pioneer 
in Kansas colonization from the North. He was heartily encouraged and sup- 
ported by such men as Charles Francis Adams, Edward Everett Hale, and Horace 
Greeley. , 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 325 

holders along the borders of Missouri prepared their own plan 
for saving Kansas to the South : they proposed to move over 
into Kansas at the proper time and meet the New England 
Free-Soilers at the polls. The New England societies had 
armed their colonists, and the Missouri " Borderers " had guns 
and knew how to use them. Under such conditions, contests, 
riots, and bloodshed were inevitable. In the election of a ter- 
ritorial delegate to Congress, the slave-holders were successful. 
The first territorial Legislature was in favor of slavery. But the 
free-state settlers claimed that this first Legislature was elected 
by fraudulent votes of " Border Ruffians " from Missouri. So 
the free-state colonists elected a Legislature of their own and 
prepared to form a code of laws. The president recognized 
the slavery Legislature as the legal one and sent federal troops 
to suppress any violence or rebellion. There was so much 
fighting between the factions that the territory came to be 
known as " Bleeding Kansas." 

490. The Republican Party. — People who were opposed 
to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, or to slavery, joined together in 
the next election to elect congressmen who were opposed to 
slavery and to the principles of this act. These voters were at 
first spoken of as the " Anti-Nebraska Men." They elected a 
majority of the next House of Representatives. They after- 
wards took the name of the Republican party.^ At the time, 
the organization was strictly a Northern and an anti-slavery 
party. Its members came from Northern Democrats, Northern 
Whigs, Free-Soilers, and the American party.^ This was the 
origin of the Republican party of to-day. 

^ The Democrats called the Republicans " Black Republicans " because they 
sought to free the negro. 

2 A secret political organization was formed about 1852, Because outsiders could 
learn nothing of its purposes, it was called the Know-Nothing party. It took the 
name of the American party and its object became known. Its design was to hinder 
or prevent the naturalization of foreigners (see Constitution) and to vote only for 
American candidates for office. 



326 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



491. The World^s Fair. — In July, 1853, America's first 
World's Fair was opened at New York City. President Pierce 
attended the exercises and spoke to a vast audience. The Old 
World, however, did not extend the patronage that the New 
World had expected, and financially the fair was a failure. 
But it demonstrated that Americans were the greatest of all 
inventors, and that in labor-saving machinery, and notably 
agricultural implements, America led the world. 

492. The Treaty with Japan. — In the same year (1853), 
Commodore Perry, with a fleet of steamships, was allowed to 
enter one of the ports of Japan. The Japanese had never seen 
a steamship, and they were very suspicious of Americans ; but, 
on acquaintance, they liked our ships and our representatives 
so well that they made a treaty with the United States opening 
the way to commerce between the nations. Since that time, 
the Japanese have advanced rapidly in civilization and have 
borne the most cordial relations with our country. 

493. Summary. — The Kansas-Nebraska bill, organizing the territories 
of Kansas and Nebraska, was passed (May, 1854). By its provisions, the 
people of the territory were to decide on slavery. A fierce struggle began 
between the anti-slavery and the slavery people for the possession of Kan- 
sas. The preliminary victories were for those who favored slavery. The 
Republican party, a party opposed to slavery, grew out of the opposition to 
the Kansas-Nebraska bill. Our first World's Fair was held in New York, 
in 1853. A treaty with Japan, made in 1853, established a friendly relation 
with this country that has never been broken. 

494. Thought Questions. — Name the states whose admission aroused 
the slavery controversy. What two bills were violations of the " Missouri 
Compromise " ? What was the most important event of Pierce's administra- 
tion ? Why do you so consider it 



II 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 32/ 



Buchanan's Administration. 



One Term: 1857-1861. 

495. Services and Character of the New President. — 

James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, was born in 179 1. He edu- 
cated himself for the law. Prior to his entrance into national 
politics he served 
his state as a mem- 
ber of the Pennsyl- 
vania House of 
Representatives. 
From 1820 to 1831, 
he was a represen- 
tative in the Con- 
gress of the United 
States. He was 
then sent as minis- 
ter to Russia. For 
eleven years (1834 
to 1845) he was a 
United States sen- 
ator. During Polk's 
administration he 
was secretary of state. At the time he was nominated for the 
presidency he was minister to England. Throughout his entire 
political career he was a Democrat. He was a man of high 
character, cautious temperament, and patriotic feeling. 

496. Dred Scott Decision. — A few days after Buchanan's 
inauguration the Supreme Court rendered its decision in the 
Dred Scott case. Dred Scott was a slave owned by Dr. Emer- 
son of Missouri, While in discharge of his duties as surgeon 
in the United States Army, Dr. Emerson resided for several 
years in the free State of Illinois, and in that part of the 




James Bucha 



328 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY, 



Louisiana territory now embraced in the State of Minnesota. 
The master carried his slave with him, and after his return to 
Missouri sold Scott to a Mr. Sanford, a citizen of New York. 
Suit was instituted against Sanford in the name of Scott. 
Upon the ground that residence in a free state and territory | 
had secured his liberty, the slave was declared free by the 
State Circuit Court of Missouri. On appeal by Sanford, this 
decision was reversed by the State Supreme Court. Scott, 
claiming to be a citizen of Missouri, then instituted suit in the 
Federal Circuit Court. If Scott was a citizen of Missouri, then 
the suit was between citizens of the different states, and could 
therefore be tried in the United States courts (§ 343). Sanford 
urged that Scott was not a citizen, but a slave, and, therefore, 
could not bring suit. This plea was overruled, and a jury 
awarded Scott as a slave to Sanford. The case was then appealed 
by Scott and went before the Supreme Court of the United States 
for decision. After three years, in 1857, the decision was an- 
nounced. The court, consisting of nine justices, declared that 
no African, whether slave or free, could be a citizen of a state 
or of the United States ; that Scott, upon his return to Mis- 
souri, had again become a slave. 

497. Results of the Decision. — The Court has been 
severely censured for not stopping there. But thinking that 
the case involved the constitutionality of the Missouri Com- 
promise, the Court considered that also. This compromise | 
was declared unconstitutional, on the ground that the Louisi- 
ana territory was common property, and Congress had no 
right to discriminate against any state. (Const., Art. IV, 
Sec. 2, clause i.) In this decision seven of the nine justices 
concurred. Thirty-seven years after the passage of the 
Compromise Bill, the Court had at last an opportunity to ex- 1 
press its opinion as to the constitutionality of the measure. I 
The decision was rendered in the hope that the political excite- 1 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 329 



ment might be allayed by this settlement of the question. 
But instead of averting the threatened danger, it added fuel to 
the flames. The anti-slavery element saw that every depart- 
ment of the government was against their views. The name 
of Chief Justice Taney was execrated at the North ; and 
although he had held the position of chief justice of the 
United States for nearly a quarter of a century, he was accused 
of playing into the hands of the Southern leaders. 

498. Mormon Insurrection. — During the first year of this 
administration, trouble arose with the Mormons in Utah. They 
objected to^the estabHshment of Federal courts in their territo- 
ry, and prepared to resist the United States authorities. An 
army was sent against them, and upon a general proclamation 
of pardon, quiet was restored. 

499. Panic of 1857. — For a number of years the country 
had been in a prosperous condition. The great gold dis- 
coveries had given unusual stimulus to trade. Speculation 
was rife. A reaction, caused by too great stimulus, came in 
1857, and a financial panic occurred. Congress, to relieve the 
stringency, passed the tariff law of 1857, reducing tariff duties 
to the revenue level. This period has been called "the free- 
trade era." 

500. The Lincoln-Douglas Debate. — Senator Douglas, of 
Illinois, by favoring the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, 
had made himself very popular at the South, though he was 
severely criticised at the North. He parted company, how- 
ever, with the South in the Kansas controversy. The South- 
ern party in Kansas adopted a constitution which allowed 
slavery, and applied for admission to the Union. The conven- 
tion was held at Lecompton, and the constitution adopted was 
therefore called the " Lecompton Constitution." The opposi- 
tion charged unfairness and refrained from voting when the 



330 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



constitution was submitted for adoption by the people of the 
territory. Congress passed a bill admitting Kansas, but resub- 
mitting the constitution to a vote of the people. The constitu- 
tion was defeated this time, and Kansas remained a territory. 
Douglas opposed the enforcement of the Lecompton constitu- 
tion, and thus regained his hold in the North. He wished also 
to regain the leadership which he had lost in the South, for he 
wanted to be elected president. Accordingly, his canvass for 
the senatorship from Illinois, in 1858, attracted the attention 
of the whole country. His opponent was Abraham Lincoln, 
who was soon to be the foremost figure in the United States. 
The two candidates took the stump in their own interest, and 
a series of most important debates occurred. Douglas was an 
experienced debater and had no rival in his ability to present 
his side of the slavery question. His opponent, Abraham 
Lincoln, had a strong, logical mind, and his evident sincerity 
was sure to create a deep impression upon his hearers. 

Upon the issue of these debates would depend not only the 
election to the United States Senate, but the decision as to who 
should be elected as the next president. Lincoln, in spite of 
the protest of his friends, said in his opening speech, "A house 
divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government 
cannot endure half slave and half free. I do not expect the 
house to fall, but I expect it will cease to be divided. It will 
become all one thing or all the other." Whatever Lincoln may 
have meant by these words, it gave Douglas an opportunity to 
represent his opponent as a Disunionist. 

In the Dred Scott case Douglas's doctrine of " Squatter 
Sovereignty" (p. 324, footnote), which declared that the people 
of the territories might decide the question of slavery as they 
should see fit, had been repudiated by the Supreme Court. 
Lincoln asked if the people of a territory might legally keep out 
slavery. If Douglas answered "No," then not only Illinois but 
the entire North would be incensed; if he said "Yes" then the 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



support of the South would be totally lost. In this dilemma 
Douglas replied that as a matter of fact if the people of a terri- 
tory were hostile to slavery, slavery would not exist there. 
This answer satisfied the people of Illinois, and he was elected 
to the Senate, but it offended the South and ruined his chances 
for the presidency. 

501. New States. — During this administration three new 
states were admitted into the Union : Minnesota in 1858 ; 
Oregon in 1859 ; and Kansas in 186 1. All of these states 
came in as free states. Kansas, which had been refused ad- 
mission as a free state by the Senate, was 
admitted in 1861 after some of the Southern 
senators had withdrawn from the Senate. 



502. Mineral Discoveries. — In 1858, 
just ten years after the discoveries in Cali- 
fornia, gold mines were found at Pike's Peak, 
Colorado. Already it had been found that 
large areas of the United States contained 
coal-bearing strata, and that the cost of fuel 
would offer no impediment to the develop- 
ment of our country. In the same year that 
gold was discovered in Colorado, the Com- 
stock Silver Mines were discovered at 
Virginia City, Nevada. Up to this time it 
was not known that there were any 
silver deposits in the United States. 
Since then the West has produced 
most of the world's silver. 

In 1859, rich underground oil 
streams were found in Pennsylvania. 
Wells were sunk and the oil brought 
These wells were richer in usefulness to man 




Oil Well. 



to the surface, 
than even the great mines of Colorado. 



332 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



503. John Brown's Raid. — Prodigious excitement had 
been produced at the North by the Dred Scott decision. 
Equally intense was the excitement produced in the South by the 
John Brown Raid. John Brown was a half-crazy fanatic who con- 
ceived the notion that it was his special mission to overthrow 
slavery. Recognizing no law but his own conception of right, 
he had figured as a bloody fanatic in the Kansas struggle. 
His large family of sons were very like their father. This 
family and a few friends, under Brown, conceived a plan of 
liberating and arming the slaves. With the view of securing 
the necessary arms, they seized the arsenal at Harper's Ferry, 
Virginia, in October, 1859. The band numbered less than 
two dozen. Before they could escape they were easily captured 
by Colonel Robert E. Lee with a few United States troops. 
In resisting capture most of the band were killed. The sur- 
vivors were tried and executed by the Virginia authorities. 

Many at the South believed that this was but the prelude to 
a larger plot in the North to incite negro insurrection in the 
South. This belief greatly increased the bitter feeling, because 
the people feared that a Republican president, if elected, would 
aid such plots. 

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF i860. 

504. The Democratic Convention met in Charleston, S. C, 
April 23, i860, to nominate candidates for the presidency and 
vice-presidency. The Southern leaders had determined to 
secure an endorsement of their views in the platform, and to 
prevent the nomination of Douglas. 

The Northern members refused to endorse the platform sub- 
mitted. To do so would, they feared, cause defeat in their own 
states. The Southern members refused to accept less than the 
endorsement of the Dred Scott decision. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 333 



505. First Split in Democratic Party. — The convention 
split in two. Many of the Southern delegates withdrew and 
decided to meet later in Richmond. The rest of the conven- 
tion, though largely Douglas men, could not agree on a candi- 
date. On May 3, the convention adjourned, to give time for the 
vacancies caused by the seceding members to be filled. They 
adjourned to meet in Baltimore. 

506. Constitutional Party. — While the Democratic con- 
vention had been in session at Charleston, the Constitutional 
Union Party had met. This was composed mainly of the old 
Know-Nothing sympathizers. They were joined also by a 
large number who were weary of the agitation of the slavery 
question. They nominated Bell of Tennessee for the presi- 
dency, and Everett of Massachusetts for the vice-presidency. 

507. Republicans. — On May 16 the Republican conven- 
tion assembled at Chicago. The general expectation was that 
Seward would be nominated, and on the first ballot he received 
the largest number of votes. There was strong opposition to 
him, however, and it was thought best to conciliate it. On the 
third ballot Abraham Lincoln of Illinois was nominated for the 
presidency. Hannibal Hamlin of Maine was placed on the 
ticket for the vice-presidency. 

508. Second Split in Democratic Party. — The larger ele- 
ment of the Democratic party containing the Northern dele- 
gates convened at Baltimore on June 18. The contested seats 
were decided in favor of the Douglas men. This caused a 
second split ; and the chairman of the convention, most of the 
Southern members, and a few Northerners withdrew. Those 
remaining nominated Douglas of Illinois by adopting the ma- 
jority vote. 

The second set of seceders adopted the platform which 
caused the division in Charleston. Their nominees were 



334 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Breckinridge of Kentucky and Lane of Oregon. Their action 
was endorsed by the first set of seceders when they met in 
Richmond. 

Thus we find four strong parties with candidates for the 
presidency. 

509. Position of the Parties on Slavery. — The Repub- 
lican party, under the leadership of Lincoln, declared that 
slavery was a local institution, and owed its existence to state 
laws ; that it had no rights in the territories and that Congress 
should prohibit its extension. 

The Southern wing of the Democratic party, with Breckin- 
ridge as their champion, affirmed that Congress should protect 
all property in the territories, and therefore the property in 
slaves. They based their demands on the decision of the 
Supreme Court. 

The Northern Democrats declared their willingness to abide 
by the Supreme Court decision, yet adhered to the " Squatter 
Sovereignty" doctrine. With their leader, Douglas, they held 
that it was possible to exclude slavery from any territory if the 
people of the territory voted to do so. 

The Constitutional Union party desired to avoid the slavery 
issue. They merely declared their loyalty to the Constitution 
and devotion to the Union. 

510. The Election. — The extremists at the North and South 
went into the campaign with fixed purposes, — ■ the former in- 
tending to yield no longer to the demands of slavery, the 
South resolved to secede if Lincoln should be elected. The 
campaign was a very earnest one. The Republicans won, 
chiefly because their opponents were divided. Lincoln carried 
the Northern states, Breckinridge the South, Bell the border 
states of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, and Douglas car- 
ried Missouri. The vote of New Jersey was divided between 
Lincoln and Douglas. Douglas's strength lay in the same 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



335 



states as Lincoln's, but Lincoln carried all of these states ex- 
cept New Jersey, and received the majority of the votes of that 
state. The popular vote gave Lincoln 1,866,452 ; Douglas, 
1^375.157 ; Breckinridge, 847,953 ; Bell, 590,631. Thus we 




Area of Slave and Free States. 



see that the opposition to Lincoln was very strong, and that he 
received far less than a majority of the popular vote. By 
electoral votes the result stood : Lincoln, 180 ; Breckinridge, 
72 ; Bell, 39 ; Douglas, 12. 

511. Sentiment at the South. — It was evident that should 
the Republican party triumph, strong efforts would be made in 
the South for secession. The triumph of a party avowedly 
hostile to slavery in the territories was considered a menace to 
Southern interests. Many believed that the Republican party 
would proceed to attack slavery in the Southern states when- 
ever it got strong enough, and its wonderful growth during 
recent years showed that it would soon be strong enough. A 
^^v devoted Union men urged that it would be better to remain 



336 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

in the Union, and await an overt act, a violation of the rights 
which the states had reserved when they adopted the Constitu- 
tion ; but the great majority deemed delay dangerous and the 
time before Lincoln's inauguration the most opportune for 
action. 

512. Buchanan's Attitude. — They had no active opposi- 
tion to fear from President Buchanan. In his message to 
Congress, which met on December 3, i860, Buchanan justified the 
attitude of the South. He showed that the Federal laws had been 
nullified by the Personal Liberty Laws (§ 483) passed by the 
Northern states, denounced the so-called " Underground Rail- 
way," by which runaway slaves were passed from house to 
house, and thus helped in their escape from their lawful masters, 
and he condemned the slavery agitation so prevalent at the 
North. While he did not assent to the doctrine of secession, 
he upheld the right of revolution, and claimed that the general 
government had no right to coerce a state. This message from 
a Northern president undoubtedly helped the secession move- 
ment in the South. 

513. Crittenden Compromise. — Several compromises were 
attempted by patriotic men who still believed that compromise 
was possible. The Critteiiden Compromise proposed that the 
Constitution be amended so as to recognize the 36° 30' line ; 
and that payment should be made out of the national treasury 
for fugitive slaves who could not be recovered. All attempts 
at compromise were ineffectual. 

514. Secession. — The electors in South Carolina were 
chosen by the Legislature. After choosing them the Legis- 
lature remained in session to await the result of the election. 
When the news of Lincoln's election was received, the Legis- 
lature called a convention to be elected by the people. This 
convention was to take such action as the emergency demande*^' 



/ 



JEFFERSON DAVIS. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



337 



It met December 17, and on the 20th, by a unanimous vote, 
passed the Secession Ordinance, recalling the consent given to 
the Federal Constitution in 1788, and to the amendments 
adopted afterward. 

515. First Area of Secession. — In January, 1861, Missis- 
sippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana seceded, and 
in February Texas also left the Union. In all these states, 
conventions of the people passed the secession ordinances. In 
Texas the action of the convention was submitted to the people 
and ratified by popular vote. We find that at the time of 
Lincoln's inauguration the area of secession embraced the five 
Gulf states, together with Georgia and South Carolina. 

516. The Confederate States of America. — Delegates 
from the seven seceded states met in Montgomery, Alabama, 
in February and organized (Feb. 9, 1861) "The Confederate 
States of America." They adopted a constitution modeled 
after the Federal Constitution, as the South understood that 
instrument. In fact, they claimed that they were preserving 
the Constitution as framed by their forefathers. 

Note. — The following are some of the features worthy of note : — 
In the preamble, to perpetuate their doctrine of state sovereignty, they 

used the expression "each state acting in its sovereign and independent 

character." 

No protective tariff was to be levied. 

Negro slavery was distinctly recognized, and property in slaves given 
the same right as any other property. Slavery was to be allowed in all 
territory subsequently acquired. 

The term of office for president and vice-president was fixed at six 
years : they were ineligible for reelection. 

517. The President and Vice-President of the Southern 
Confederacy. — Jefferson Davis,^ of Mississippi, was chosen 

1 Jefferson Davis was born in 1808 in Kentucky, but his father removed shortly 
afterward to Mississippi. After attending Transylvania University Davis entered 
West Point, and was graduated in the class of 1828, He served in the army until 



338 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



president, and Alex. H. Stephens/ of Georgia, vice-president. 
Military preparations began throughout the South, although 

many still hoped that there 
would be no war. South 
Carolina even sent com- 
missioners to Washington 
to arrange for friendly ad- 
justment of questions relat- 
ing to the national debt and 
federal property. 

518. The Right of Se- 
cession. — Let us see what 
the grounds of the South's 
actions were. In the be- 
ginning of our government 
the right of a state to with- 
draw from the Federal 
Union would scarcely have 
been questioned (§§ 339, 
366). New England was long a stronghold of secession, and more 




Alexander H. Stephens. 



1835, when he resigned and settled on his plantation in Mississippi. In 1845 he 
was elected to Congress, As colonel of the First Mississippi Rifles he won distinc- 
tion at Monterey and Buena Vista. He became U. S, senator in 1847. He was 
secretary of war under Pierce (1853-7). In 1857 he was again elected senator, and 
in 1 86 1 he withdrew from the Senate after the secession of Mississippi. After Cal- 
houn Mr. Davis was probably the ablest exponent of the doctrine of State Sover- 
eignty the country has produced. He was conservative in temperament, of the 
greatest purity of character, loyal to his convictions of duty, a logical and eloquent 
speaker, and well fitted to adorn the highest civic positions. 

1 Alexander H.Stephens was born in 18 12 in Georgia. He was carefully edu- 
cated, and was graduated from the University of Georgia. After teaching for a 
year he became a lawyer. He served in the Georgia Legislature, and in 1843 he 
was elected to Congress. He had been reelected six times when he became the 
vice-president of the Confederate States. He entered Congress again in 1877 and 
served until 1882, when he was elected governor of Georgia. He died before the 
close of his term, in 1883. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 339 

than once threatened it when she deemed Federal policy inju- 
rious to her interests (§ 407). The South still held to the 
belief that a state had the right to withdraw from a Union 
which it had been free to enter, while the North had come to 
believe that the Union was indissoluble. Though the belief 
that the Union was a compact, and therefore might be dis- 
solved, was general in the early years of our history, it was not 
universal. There were always those who held the opposite 
belief. The process by which the South became the cham- 
pion of state sovereignty and the North of centralization, was 
a very gradual one. In 1800, Jefferson was elected upon his 
opposition to the Federal view of the Constitution. In the 
Kentucky Resolutions (§ 366), he had expressed his belief 
that, "as in all other cases of compact among parties having 
no common judge, each party has an equal right to judge for 
itself, as well of infraction as of the mode and measure of 
redress." 

519. The Constitution, North and South. — One of the 

important functions of a constitution is to set limits to legisla- 
tion. These provisions should be general. Unforeseen con- 
tingencies must be met, besides those calling for amendments. 
In this respect the Constitution of the United States is a 
model. But the very feature which should have been its 
strength was its weakness. Had the North and South devel- 
oped in parallel lines, our Constitution would naturally have 
developed to suit their altered conditions. But the South 
remained practically unchanged, while the North underwent a 
wonderful transformation. The South wished to retain the 
Constitution without any changes, as best suited its unchanged 
condition. The North had developed, and with it also devel- 
oped naturally new ideas about the Constitution. 

520. Secession the Mode of Redress.** — The South held 
that the Constitution had been violated by the North, and 



340 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



determined " to judge for itself as well of the infraction as of the 
mode and measure of redress." Secession was the "measure 
of redress " adopted. Few in the South doubted the right of a 
state to secede, although many doubted the policy. Alexander 
H. Stephens, of Georgia, a strong believer in the right of seces- 
sion, bitterly opposed it. Throughout the South there was a 
strong feeling of attachment to the Union to whose past glory 
Southern statesmen and soldiers had contributed so large a 
part.^ 

521. Cause of the War. — The North based its cause on 
loyalty to the Union ; the South on loyalty to the principle of 
states' rights. The people of the North were putting down a 
rebellion against the noblest government God had lent man 
wisdom to frame ; the people of the South thought the North 
was waging war to retain a rich taxing district. The one 
hastened to save the Union ; the other left all to repel the 
invader. 

The South believed that its connection with the North cost 
its people many millions of dollars annually, without compen- 
satory benefit. Then the best thing even from the standpoint 
of material interest for the Southern states to do would be to 
sever their connection with the North. Believing their rights 
invaded, they resented the aggression. Believing they would 
be more prosperous out of the Union, they formed the Con- 
federate States of America. The North denied the right of 
secession, and determined to prevent by force the withdrawal 
of the Southern states. This was the cause of the war. For 
many years sectional feeling had been growing stronger, more 
dangerous, and less reasonable. Slavery was the issue that set 
this sectional feeling on fire. It was but the occasion of the 
war, not its cause. 

^ It is interesting to note the part played by Southern men in the history of our 
country from 1775 to i860. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 34 1 



522. Before Lincoln's Inauguration. — Wonderful activity 
was manifest in the South. Southern officers resigned their 
places in the army and navy, Southern representatives with- 
drew from the Federal Congress as the states seceded, and 
the seceding states took possession of arsenals, post-offices, 
and other Federal property within their territory. Soon the 
only forts in the seceding states remaining in the possession 
of the United States were at Pensacola and Charleston. 
President Buchanan, Congress, and the North were inactive. 
Congress spent the winter in trying to effect a compromise. 
A few Northern governors prepared to fight, but the general 
government did nothing. Many people in the North were willing 
to say to the seceding states, " Wayward sisters, go in peace." 

523. Summary. — The decision of the Supreme Court in the Dred 
Scott case, that no slave could be a citizen, and that the Missouri Compro- 
mise was unconstitutional, caused political excitement in the North. A 
Mormon insurrection was quelled by United States troops. To relieve 
financial stringency, the low tariff act of 1857 was passed. The debates of 
Lincoln and Douglas in their canvass for the senatorship of Illinois attracted 
national attention. John Brown's lawless effort to free the slaves caused 
intense excitement in the South. In the presidential campaign of i860 the 
Democratic party split, and there were four candidates in the field. Lincoln, 
the Republican candidate, was elected. Believing that with the Republican 
party in power, their rights under the constitution were no longer safe, the 
Southern states determined to withdraw from the Union. South Carolina 
led off in December, followed quickly by Georgia and the five Gulf states. 
The government of the Confederate States was organized with Jefferson 
Davis as president and Alexander H. Stephens as vice-president. The 
seceded states took possession of federal property in their territory, and 
were active in organizing the new government. In the North sentiment 
was divided. 

524. Thought Questions. — On what occasion did Congress first limit 
the extension of slavery ? Was this before or after the adoption of our 
present constitution? Show how the Dred Scott Decision affected the 
extension of slavery. Mention another important decision of the Supreme 
Court. Give an outline of tariff legislation up to the close of Buchanan's 
administration. Mention the occasions in our history when the right of 
secession has been claimed. 



342 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Topical Analysis. (Growth of Sectional Antagonism.) 



433. The New President. 

. f Jackson's policy. 

434. Changes in Oface. i ^ r,\ • , ^ 

1^ Policy of later presidents. 



435. The National Bank. ^ 



First United States banks. 
Jackson's opposition. 



Removal of deposits. 
L Final action of Congress. 



436. Tariff Development. 



The first tariff. 
Positions of New England and the South. 
Tariff of 1816. 
Change of sentiment. 
Tariff of 1824. 
I Tariff of 1828. 



437. Nullification. <J 



The Hayne-Webster debate. 
Tariff of 1832. 
Action of South Carolina. 
Action of the president, 
j The Calhoun-Webster debate. 
I Compromise tariff. 



438. Indian Uprisings. 



The Sacs and the Foxes. 
The Seminoles. 



439, 440, 441. The Abolition Crusade. ^ 



The pioneers. 
Various opinions. 
Deeds of violence. 
Action of Congress. 



First railway in the United States. 
. J Steam engines. 

442. ai ways. jrjj-g^ locomotive. 

Increase of railways. 



f Opposition to Jackson. 
443. The Whig Party. ^ Rise of Whigs. 

[ Presidential election. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 343 



' 446. The New President. 

Cause. 



VAN BUREN'S 



447. Financial Panic. 



Results. 



ADMINIS- ! T^i,. c„K_'r..oc„.,. / The president's views 



TRATION. 

1837-41. 



^ 448. The Sub-Treasury 



is 



Sub-treasury system. 



f The abolitionists. 
449- Slavery. | ^^^^.^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ 



450. Scientific Progress. 

453. Harrison's Election and Death. 

454. President Tyler : Services and character. 

^ Repealof Sub-treasury law. 

*T ^- 1 T> 1 « X J Passage of Bank bills. 

455. The National Bank Controversy. -< ^ .? ^, 

•^■^ President s vetoes. 



456. The Ashburton Treaty. 



[ Results. 

Trouble with Great Britain. 
Settlement of the dispute. 



457. The Tariff Legislation : The Tariff of 1842. 

f Suffrage in Rhode Island. 

458. The Dorr Rebellion. -<j Uprising of Dorr. 

New constitution. 

f Founder of the sect. 

459. The Mormons. -{ Troubles in Illinois. 

Settlement in Utah. 

^ m 1 , f The first experiment. 

460. The Telegraph. <^ ^ jr., 

I Spread of telegraph Imes. 

' Settlers from United States. 
Texas revolution. 

_ ; Independence recognized. 

461. Texas. ^ . ^ . ^. . . 
Annexation dispute m United States. 

Presidential election. 

Annexation. 

462. Florida and Iowa admitted. 



344 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



POLK'S 
ADMINIS- 
TRATION. 

1845-49. 
(War with 
Mexico.) 



TAYLOR 
AND 
FILLMORE'S 
ADMINIS- ^ 
TRATION. 
1849-53- 



465. The New President 

466. The Oregon 

Boundary. 



Claims of England and of U. 
Boundary settled. 



467. The Oregon Trail. < 



First explorations. 
Trading expeditions. 
First settlement. 
Riva:lry of English. 
Whitman's achievements. 



, ^ , . . f Disputed boundary of Texas. 
Beginning of ^ Orders to Gen. Taylor, 
the War. 1 t^,. , , 
First engagement. 



469. Battles in Texas. 



Palo Alto. 

Resaca de la Palma. 



470. 



Taylor's Invasion ^ Capture of Monterey, 
of Mexico. Battle of Buena Vista. 



471 



473 
474 



« . , . , . f Vera Cruz. 
Scott's Invasion , 

^ . March to the capital, 

of Mexico. TT n r ^1 V 

1^ Fall of the city. 

f The Mexican province. 
472. Conquest of California. Fremont's campaign.' 

Commodore Sloat. 
New Mexico Taken : Kearney's campaign. 
Treaty of Peace. 

f The discovery of gold. 
475, 476. Gold in California. -<| The "gold fever." 

Increase in population. 

( The services of Taylor. 

479. The Presidents. -<| Death of Taylor. 

[ Services of Fillmore. 

480. The Problem f Military government of California. 
of the Ad- -{ Movements toward statehood, 
ministration. [ The old controversy. 

481. Conflicting Opinions. 

482. Compromise of 1850. ^ 



r The " Omnibus Bill. 
Debate on the bill. 



GROWTH OF SECTIONAL ANTAGONISM. 



345 



TAYLOR 
AND 
FILLMORE'S 
ADMINIS- 
TRATION. 
{Continued.) 



483. The Fugitive-Slave 
Agitation. 



The Fugitive-Slave Law. 
Resistance by individuals. 
Nullification by states. 
" Underground Railway." 
Views of Northern statesmen. 



r 1 

484. Railroad Development. < ^ 
' 487. The New President. 



The Erie Railroad, 
ncrease of railroads. 



PIERCE'S 
ADMINIS- 
TRATION. 
1853-57. 



The Kansas-Nebraska 
Bill. 



I' First settlers of the plains. 
Douglas's bill. 
Opposition to the bill. 
Its passage. 



i 489- 



490. 

491. 

492. 



, r r Emigrant societies. 
The Struggle for ! ^ . ^ ^ 

-{ Immigration to Kansas. 



Kansas. i ^ ^ 

Conflicts, 

The Republican Party. 

Our First World's Fair. 
Treaty with Japan. 



r First principles. 
\ Composition of the party. 



M r 495. The New President. 



496, 497. The Dred Scott , . , ^ ^ 1 ^ • • 

_ . . < Appeals and final decision. 

Decision. 1 



f Origin of the suit. 
<j Appeals and final 
Results of the decision. 



499. 



500. 



Mormon Insurrection. 
Panic of 1857. 



Cause. 

New tariff law. 



r Position of Douglas on Mo. Compromise. 
Lincoln-Douglas J His position on the Kansas question. 
Debate. ] Canvass for Illinois senatorship. 



L Debates of the candidates. 



501. New States. 



502. Mineral Discoveries. 



Gold in Colorado. 

Coal. 

Silver. 

Oil wells. 



346 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



503. John Brown's Raid. 



j" Brown's plan. 
Seizure of U. S. arsenal. 
Capture and execution. 
Feeling in the South. 



504-509. Presidential 
Campaign 
of i860. 



Democratic Convention at Charleston. 
First split in Democratic party. 
Constitutional party. 
Republicans. 

Second split in Democratic party. 
L Position of the parties on slavery. 



f Vote of the sections. 
510. The Election. -<j Popular vote. 

1^ Electoral vote. 

- „ ^. ^ ^ ^, « r Meaning of Lincoln's election. 

2 511. Sentiment at the South. a • ^ 
^ Action urged. 

S ' , , .^^.^ f The president's message. 

512. Buchanan's Attitude. ^^^^"^ 

513. The Crittenden Compromise. 

f Action of Legislature of South Carolina. 

514. 415. Secession. Convention of South Carolina. 
Action of other Southern states. 

I' Organization. 

516, 517. The Confederate States, -j Constitution. 

1^ President and vice-president. 

518. The Right of Secession: Historical view. 

519, 520. The Federal J Element of weakness. 
Constitution. ( A "mode of redress" for infractions. 

x X,- ,Tr r ^ehef of the North. 
521. Cause of the War. ^ 



Belief of the South 
522. Before Lincoln's Inauguration. 



Activity in the South. 
Inactivity in the North. 



THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES. 



Lincoln's Administration. 
1861-1865. 

FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 

525. Services and Character of the New President. — 

Abraham Lincoln was born of poor parents, in Kentucky, 
February 12, 1809. With his parents he removed first to 
Indiana and afterward to Illinois. Young Lincoln was reared 
amid the hardships, privations, and heroic energies of our 
pioneer life. He worked on the farm, cleared land, split rails, 
as other farm-hands did ; he was for a time a boatman on the 
Mississippi River; he served as a private in a war against the 
Indians ; and he was a great reader and student of the few 
books that a backwoodsman in Illinois could command in 
those days. By earnest and constant effort he made himself 
a lawyer. He had served a term in Congress when he met 
Douglas in the great debate in 1858. Lincoln was a man of 
heroic mold. Simple, sincere, fearless, he understood the 
masses of the people, and they gave him sooner or later their 
deepest respect and fullest confidence. It is not too much to 
say that Lincoln saved the Union. 

526. The New Administration. — On March 4, 1861, Abra- 
ham Lincoln was inaugurated president of the United States. 
Probably no man ever assumed such an exalted position in 
more trying circumstances. Seven of the states had cast off 
all allegiance to the Union. The country was in confusion. 
There were those who even feared for the life of the president. 



348 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



and for this reason, he had traveled secretly from Philadel- 
phia to Washington. 

His message was a conciliatory one. He appealed to the 
South to abide by the Union with the assurance that slavery in 
the states had nothing to fear from him. At the same time he 
declared secession impossible, and expressed his intention of 
occupying all federal property in the seceded states and col- 
lecting revenues in their ports. To the South this meant war. 

527. Federal Property in the South. — The Confederate 
States claimed all the federal property in the South, on the 
ground that the states, when they resumed their independence 
of the United States, had a right to all the federal property 
within their jurisdiction; and so they had taken possession, as 
stated above, of all the federal forts, etc., that could be seized 
without bloodshed. 

Commissioners were sent to Washington to treat concerning 
this federal property in the South. The new administration 
refused to receive the delegations so sent, because this would 



Charleston Harbor. Command of Fort 

Moultrie. Soon afterwards he moved over to Fort Sumter, 
another fort in Charleston Harbor, and a much stronger one. 




be recognizing the 
Confederate States 
as a foreign power. 
All attempts to ad- 
just the question 
peacefully were 
futile. 



528. Fort Sum- 
ter. — At the time 
of South Carolina's 
secession. Major 
Anderson was in 



II 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 



349 



Buchanan had been unable to decide what to do about Sumter. 
He would not give it up to the Confederates, and made an in- 
effectual attempt to supply the garrison with provisions, send- 
ing a steamer. Star of the West, which was driven away by 
Confederate cannon. Lincoln determined to provision Fort 
Sumter and so notified Governor Pickens of South Carolina. 
The Confederate authorities then ordered General Beauregard 




Fort Sumter after Bombardment. 



to take possession of the fort. Major Anderson refused to give 
it up. On April 12, the Confederates opened fire. The fort 
was reduced to ruins and Major Anderson surrendered. The 
fire on both sides was incessant for thirty-four hours, yet not a 
man was killed. Anderson retired with all the honors of war. 
As he was firing a salute to the United States flag a cannon 
burst and a soldier was accidentally killed, — the only blood spilt 
in this famous fight. On April 13, 186 1, Sumter fell. The 
great war had begun. 



350 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



529. Effect of the Fall of Sumter. — In the North. For 
the first time the North reahzed that the South was in earnest. 
Those who liad hitherto opposed coercion joined with the 
administration. Lincoln called for 75,000 troops to suppress 
the rebellion and enforce the laws. Many times that number 
voluntered. The whole North became united. Soon after- 
wards, he declared a blockade of all Southern ports and sus- 
pended the writ of habeas corpus in certain instances. This 
was all extra-constitutional, but the urgency of the occasion 
was held to be sufficient justification. 

In the South it was felt that the North had begun the v/ar by 
sending troops and provisions to garrison Fort Sumter. All 
opposition was silenced. The invaders must be repelled at 
any cost. President Davis's, call for 35,000 volunteers was 
met with as great alacrity as was President Lincoln's at the 
North. 

530. In the Border States. — Lincoln's call for troops pro- 
duced intense excitement in the border states of Maryland, 
Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and 
Missouri. Four of these, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, 
and Tennessee soon joined the Confederacy. The others did 
not secede, but a large element in each of them sympathized 
with the South. This sympathy was manifested in Baltimore 
by an attack made by citizens on some Massachusetts troops 
who were on their way to Washington. Several were killed on 
both sides, and here, on April 19, was shed the first blood of 
the war. 

The western portion of Virginia refused to join the state in 
secession. Its inhabitants separated from Virginia and it was 
later (1863) admitted into the Union as the State of West 
Virginia. Kentucky declared that she would neither secede nor 
join in the war against the Confederacy. In Missouri the ma- 
jority of the people were opposed to secession, but the state 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 



authorities were in favor of joining the Confederacy and a 
bitter civil strife ensued. 

The Confederacy was greatly strengthened by the accession 
of the four states mentioned above. Especially did the South 
rejoice over the secession of Virginia. The capital was re- 
moved from Montgomery to Richmond. Troops could be 
massed near Washington, and Virginia was to furnish to the 
Southern army some of the ablest generals and bravest soldiers 
that ever lived. 

531. Confidence North and South. — The North had about 
three times as many people as the South had. Besides this 
tremendous advantage in numbers, the North was far superior 
in wealth to the South. All the machine 
shops, factories, foundries, were in the 
North, so that whatever was needed in 
waging war could soon be provided. Yet 
the Southern people felt confident that the 
" Stars and Bars " would be victorious. 
True, they recognized the advantages 
that the North possessed ; but they reck- Confederate Flag, 
oned confidently that the world could not long do without South- 
ern cotton. They felt sure that the nations of Europe, whose 
looms they supplied, would not quietly permit those looms to 
be hushed. They especially counted on the assistance of 
France and England. It was beHeved, too, that the Scuthern 
man was a better soldier than the Northerner, because he was 
accustomed to a rough, outdoor life, and was famihar with the 
use of fire-arms. The South was full of daring and enthusiasm, 
while the North was firm, resolute, and undaunted. Each was 
fully confident of ultimate success. 

532. The South^s Line of Defense. — East of the Allegha- 
nies there was a strong line of defense extending from Nor- 
folk around the northern boundaries of Virginia. Here 




352 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



was stationed the Army of Northern Virginia. West of the 
mountains the Confederates had a strong line of defense ex- 
tending through southern Kentucky to Columbus on the Mis- 
sissippi. Their forces occupied Bowling Green and Mill 
Spring. Fort Henry on the Tennessee, and Fort Donelson on 
the Cumberland, a distance of twelve miles apart, were two im- 




Running the Blockade. 



portant Confederate strongholds. The Mississippi River was 
strongly fortified from its mouth to the northern limit of the 
Confederate States. The coast line of the seceded states 
from the Rio Grande to the Potomac was strengthened by the 
erection of new forts. The Confederacy was fortified on all 
sides. See double page map. 

533. Northern Plan of Operation. — Against these four 
lines of defense, offensive preparations were made. A blockade 



from 92 Greenwich 87 82 77 72 07 




15 'Washington 10 



.Bradley Jj- PoatcSf Enyr's, 2>'.¥. 



I 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 



353 



of Southern ports had been declared. This shut out all com- 
mercial intercourse with the foreign world. Although at the 
time the blockade was declared there were no ships with which 
to enforce it, a navy was soon organized which effectually shut 
up the South to its own resources. 

Opposed to the Army of Northern Virginia, and threatening an 
attack on Richmond, was the Army of the Potomac. Its purpose 
was to break through the line of defense and capture the South- 
ern capital. Northern armies were also concentrated against 
the line of fortifications west of the Cumberland Mountains. 

A very important part of the Northern plan was the opening 
up of the Mississippi River. Loss of control of this great river 
would not only deprive the South of an important means of 
transportation, but also divide the Confederacy. The attacks 
in these four places were largely independent of each other, 
and were made at first without any unity of plan. We will 
note them as the campaigns in Virginia, in the West, on the 
Mississippi, and Naval Operations. 

534. In West Virginia. — Three months passed after the 
fall of Fort Sumter before any movement of importance took 
place. The only conflicts were minor ones in western Virginia, 
where small bodies of troops were engaged. 

Both sides tried to secure possession of this portion of Virginia. 
The inhabitants generally were Unionists. Several battles, 
mostly unimportant, were fought. The Union army was com- 
manded by General George B. McClellan, who in this campaign 
won the name of a successful general. After several engage- 
ments, of which that at Rich Mountain was the most important, 
the Union army got complete possession of West Virginia. 

535. On to Richmond; Battle of Manassas or Bull Run. 

— President Lincoln had made his first call for volunteers for 
three months only. It was felt that something must be done. 
The cry in the North was " On to Richmond." General Scott, 



354 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Cliamliers'b 

N N S 



the hero of the Mexican War, now commander-in-chief of the 
Union forces, ordered General Irvin McDowell, on July i6, to 
begin the movement from Washington to Richmond. Between 
the two capitals, a Confederate army nearly 10,000 strong, 
under General Beauregard, lay at Manassas Junction. West 

of this army was 
an other body 
of troops, the 
" Army of the 
Shenandoah," 
under the com- 
mand of General 
Joseph E. John- 
ston. General 
Patterson had 
been sent to pre- 
vent Johnston 
from uniting his 
forces with those 
of Beauregard. 
OnJulyi8,i86i, 
General Mc- 
Dowell came 
upon the Con- 
federates at Bull 
Run, a small 
stream near Ma- 
nassas Junction, 

and was repulsed in a sharply contested fight. Meantime 
General Johnston had eluded Patterson, and, uniting his 
forces with Beauregard's, he fought a stubborn and bloody 
battle with McDowell on the 21st of July. At first the 
Union army gained the advantage, but at a critical moment, 




Map of Seat of War in Virginia. 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 



355 




General Beauregard. 



the Confederate army was reenforced, rallied, and charged. 
The Union army could not resist the attack, but gave way 
and fled, panic-stricken, back to Wash- 
ington. 

536. Effect of the Battle. — At the 

South every one was jubilant. Te Deums\ 
were echoed from the houses of worship. 
The impression spread that tlie war was 
virtually over; many of the volunteers, 
under this impression, returned to their 
homes. In the North a deep sense of 
humiliation at first prevailed, but this feel- 
ing soon gave place to a renewed determination to wipe out 
the disgrace with victory. After the first feeling of despon- 
dency came the conviction that the war was to be a long 
and desperate struggle. This defeat taught the people of the 
North that they must prepare for a terrible war, such as the 
western continent had never seen. Congress voted to call out 

half a million men. To the 
North the defeat was a blessing 
in disguise, while it made the 
South over-confident. 

537. Operations in Missouri. 

— Governor Jackson, of Mis- 
souri, tried to get his state, in 
which sentiment was divided, 
to join the Confederacy. His 
attempt was frustrated by Na- 
thaniel Lyon, who seized the 
arsenal at St. Louis to prevent 
its being used to arm the Confederates, and then broke up the 
Confederate encampment of Camp Jackson. The governor 
called for Confederate volunteers and placed General Sterling 




Operations in Missouri 



356 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Price in command. At first the Confederates were driven back, 
but being reenforced from Arkansas and Texas, they met and 
defeated the Union army at Wilson's Creek, in which engage- 
ment Lyon lost his life. The Confederates were gradually 
driven southward, and Missouri was held by the Union forces. 

538. Operations on the Coast. — On the sea the South was 
at a disadvantage. She had no war-ships to break up the 
blockade. President Davis, in reprisal for the blockade, granted 
"letters of marque," permitting private vessels sailing under 
the Confederate flag to prey on the commerce of the United 
States. A few Confederate vessels were built during the first 
year, which did immense damage. The two most famous were 
the Sumter and the Nashville. Steamers built for swiftness 
to run the blockade frequently succeeded in carrying out 
cargoes of cotton and bringing back war supplies and other 
necessary articles of commerce. During 186 1 the Union navy 
captured the forts of Cape Hatteras and Port Royal, S. C. No 
important naval engagement took place during this year. 

539. The Trent Affair. — The South, as we have already 
seen (§ 531), hoped for aid from England and France. To en- 
deavor to secure this aid. Mason and Slidell were sent as com- 
missioners to those countries. Running the blockade they 
reached Havana, and there embarked on an English mail 
steamer, the Trent, for England. This steamer was stopped 
by the United States sloop-of-war San Jacinto, commanded by 
Captain Wilkes, and the commissioners were taken off as prison- 
ers of war. The North was at first delighted with this capture, 
but England angrily demanded the release of the prisoners, and 
began to prepare for war. It seemed that the hope of the 
Confederacy was to be realized and war between England and 
the United States would follow. But the war was averted. 
The Queen and Prince Albert urged pacific measures, and 
Secretary of State Seward released the prisoners and placed 



EVENTS OF 1862. 



357 



them under British protection. The capture was directly con- 
trary to the principle for which the United States had fought 
in 18 1 2 — the right of neutrals to be free from search. Secre- 
tary Seward won an important diplomatic victory in this trans- 
action, for war with England was averted, and England was 
committed against the right of search. 

540. Summary of the First Year of the War. — In Virginia the Con- 
federates were successful, and won a brUliant victory at Bull Run. In 
Missouri the Confederates gained a victory at Wilson's Creek, but before 
the end of the year retired to the extreme South, leaving the state in the 
hands of the Union soldiers. The navy of the United States was very 
successful, both in shutting up the ports, making the blockade effectual, 
and in capturing several important forts. 

EVENTS OF 1862. 

IN THE WEST. 

The Confederate line of defense west of the Cumberland 
Mountains was under command of Albert Sidney Johnston. 




Operations in the West. 



358 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Opposed to him was a large force under General Buell, and a 
smaller one at Cairo, 111., commanded by General U. S. Grant. 

541. Mill Spring. — The Confederate division at Mill 
Spring was under the command of General Zollicoffer. The 
army was defeated by a division of Buell's army under General 
George H. Thomas. General Zollicoffer was killed, and the 
army was pushed back into Tennessee. 

542. Forts Henry and Donelson. — In February, General 
Grant determined to move against the two forts on the Cumber- 
land and Tennessee Rivers. He commenced an over-land 
march against Fort Henry, assisted by Commodore Foote, who 
proceeded up the Tennessee River with a fleet of gunboats. 
Fort Henry was captured by Foote before Grant's arrival, and 
most of the garrison escaped across the country to Fort Donel- 
son. Grant then moved against Donelson and demanded its 
" unconditional surrender." The fort was captured after a 
gallant defense (February 16) with over ten thousand prison- 
ers. This victory forced the Confederates to abandon Nash- 
ville, and to retire southward through Tennessee into Northern 
Mississippi. It made General Grant famous. 

543. Battle of Shiloh. — General Grant moved up the Ten- 
nessee River and encamped at Pittsburg Landing, near the 
boundary line between Mississippi and Tennessee. While he 
was awaiting Buell's army here, Johnston attacked him before 
the two armies could unite, and a great battle was fought 
(April 6) near Shiloh Church. Johnston's attack was suc- 
cessful and Grant was driven back with heavy loss to his gun- 
boats on the river. Unfortunately for the Confederates their 
great general, Albert Sidney Johnston, was killed in the battle. 
Buell arrived in the evening with fresh troops, and the Union 
army outnumbered the Confederates. The battle was resumed 
the next day, and Beauregard, who had succeeded to the com- 



GENERAL GRANT. 



EVENTS OF 1862. 



359 



mand of the Confederate army, retired to Corinth, an important 
railway center in northern Mississippi. The losses on each 
side were about equal, but 
the Confederates were 
being driven from their 
territory. General Hal- 
leck took command of the 
Union forces, and slowly 
advanced upon Corinth. 
Beauregard withdrew from 
Corinth and retreated 
southward. 

544. On the Upper 
Mississippi. — When the 
Confederates retired from 
Kentucky, Columbus on 

. . . 1 T 1 General Albert Sidney Johnston. 

the Mississippi and Island 

No. 10, two Confederate strongholds, were given up. With 
their withdrawal from Tennessee came the fall of Fort Pillow 
and Memphis. The Mississippi was thus opened as far as 
Vicksburg. Kentucky and Tennessee had fallen into the 
hands of the Union army. Andrew Johnson was appointed 
military governor of Tennessee. 

545. Battle of Pea Ridge. — It had been General Johnston's 
plan to have the troops west of the Mississippi unite with his 
forces before any attack was made on the Union army. This 
plan was frustrated by the Union army under General Curtis. 
A bloody engagement at Pea Ridge, or Elk Horn, in Arkansas, 
on March 7, in which the Confederates suffered severe loss, 
including the gallant Gen. Ben McCulloch, destroyed all hope 
of reenforcing Johnston, and left Missouri and Arkansas in the 
hands of the Union army. 




36o 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



546. Bragg*s Invasion. — After Beauregard evacuated Cor- 
inth he was succeeded by General Bragg, who undertook to 
invade Tennessee and Kentucky and recover them for the Con- 
federacy. He occupied Chattanooga, and aided by General 
Kirby Smith penetrated Kentucky to the vicinity of Louisville 
without much opposition. General Smith's command won a 
victory at Richmond, Kentucky. Buell, who had been watch- 
ing Bragg's movements, ran a race with him and got to Louis- 
ville first. The battle of Perryville was fought between the two 
armies on the 8th of October.' The Confederates were success- 
ful in the fight, but the Union forces were so much stronger in 
numbers that Bragg retreated to Chattanooga, carrying with 
him an immense quantity of arms, ammunition and other sup- 
plies which he had captured. The Union army took position 
at Nashville. 

547. luka and Corinth. — When Bragg moved northward 
he left a strong Confederate force under Van Dorn and Price 
to watch Grant, who occupied Corinth. Two of the hottest 
fights of the war occurred between these armies. At luka 
the Confederates won the day, but their attack on Corinth, 
though at first successful, ended in defeat (October 4, 1862). 

548. Battle of Murfreesboro. — From Chattanooga the Con- 
federate army moved toward Nashville, entrenching themselves 
at Murfreesboro. The army advanced from its entrenchments 
to meet the Union army, which was now commanded by General 
W. S. Rosecrans. The armies were equally matched (about 
40,000 each), and here on the last day of the year, 1862, 
began one of the bloodiest battles of the war. It lasted three 
days, neither side gaining a victory. The Union losses were 
somewhat heavier, and when Bragg retired a few miles distant, 
Rosecrans did not care to follow him. Both armies went into 
winter quarters. 



EVENTS OF 1862. 



361 



549. On the Lower Mississippi. — We have seen (§ 533) 
that it was an important part of the plan of conquering the 
South that it should be deprived of the control of the Missis- 
sippi river. We have also seen (§ 544) that the upper Missis- 
sippi had been opened as far as Vicksburg. It had also been 
opened below Vicksburg. New Orleans was a place of much 
importance to the Confederacy, as it guarded the mouth of the 
Mississippi river. Though the city itself was in a defenseless 
condition, approach to it was almost impossible. Below the 
city were the two strong forts, Jackson and St. Phillip, on oppo- 
site sides of the river, ready with their heavy guns to fire upon 
any attacking fleet. Across the Mississippi a great raft had 
been stretched consisting of logs 40 feet long, bound together 
by heavy chains, placed three feet apart. About one-third 
of the raft having been broken away by drift-wood, eight 
schooners had been anchored in the opening made and they 
were also bound together by immense chains. Between this 
defense and the city was a strong Confederate fleet with fire-rafts 
ready to set fire to the enemy's vessels. In February Commodore 
David G. Farragut sailed from Hampton Roads, Virginia, with 
15,000 troops, under command of General Benjamin F. Butler, 
to capture New Orleans. For a week Farragut bombarded the 
forts without success. He then conceived the daring plan of 
running the gauntlet to the city. In the darkness of night the 
chains were broken and a passage was made for his vessels. 
Under terrific cannonade they steamed by the forts, destroyed 
the Confederate fleet and captured the city. Fort Jackson and 
Fort St. Phillip surrendered soon after. The largest city in the 
Confederacy was at the mercy of Benjamin F. Butler, whose 
course as its military governor caused its people and the entire 
South to detest his name. 

By the capture of New Orleans the Mississippi river was 
almost opened to the Union vessels. The Confederates still 
held strong forts at Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and continued 
to hold them during this year. 



362 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



in the east. 
Operations on the Sea. 

550. The Monitor and the Merrimac. — For the first time 
in the history of the world vessels covered with iron were to be' 
used in naval warfare. England and France had built iron- 
clads, but they had never been tested in battle. The Confed- 
erates raised the frigate Merrimac, which had been sunk when 
the Federal navy-yard at Norfolk was abandoned, and refitted 
it as an iron-clad ram. When finished, this vessel, rechristened 
the Virginia, presented a very formidable appearance. Cannon 
balls rebounded harmless from her sides. On March 8 she 
left the port, steamed into Hampton Roads (at the mouth of the 
James), and played havoc with the powerful Union fleet lying 
there. The Cumberlafid was sunk, the Cojtgress was burnt, and 
the other ships driven into the shoals or flight. Consternation 
spread in the North, where it was feared that the new iron-clad 
would attack her great sea-ports. Even Washington itself 
would be at the mercy of the monster. 

While the Merrimac was being iron-plated, John Ericsson 
had been busy at New York inventing and constructing a tur- 




The Monitor and the Merrimac. 



ret ship, named the Monitor. It was a small, flat craft, much 
smaller than the Virginia, and very much less exposed to the 
enemy's fire, and it carried in a revolving turret two guns so 



EVENTS OF 1862. 



enormous that they could shoot heavier balls than had ever been 
used in war. So great was the hurry to get the Mo7iitor to 
Hampton Roads that the vessel had not been tested, and little 
was known of its real merit. It reached Hampton Roads in the 
night, and took up a position behind the Miimesota. Early the 
next morning when the Vii-ginia steamed forth to complete her 
work of destruction, she was unexpectedly confronted by her 
little iron opponent. Four hours of desperate combat proved 
that the Virginia had met her match. It was impossible for 
her to accomplish her purpose of destroying the rest of the 
fleet, nor could the Monitor inflict any serious damage upon the 
Virginia. The Virginia returned to Norfolk and never ap- 
peared again, but was destroyed by the Confederates when 
Norfolk was captured by the Federals. At the end of the year 
the Mo7iitor foundered off Cape Hatteras. 

This day's battle revolutionized naval warfare. Both the 
Confederate and United States governments began the con- 
struction of iron-clad vessels, and the navies of all foreign 
powers had to be reconstructed. 

The Union navy was successful in many places along the 
coast. At the end of the year only two large sea-port towns 
on the Atlantic coast, Charleston and Wilmington, were pre- 
served to the Confederacy. The blockade became more and 
more effectual as the places to be guarded decreased in number. 

Operations in Virginia. 

551. Advance toward Richmond: The Peninsular Cam- 
paign. — McClellan, who, on account of his successes in West 
Virginia, had been called to take command of the Northern 
army, had spent the winter of 186 1-2 in drilling his men and 
preparing for an advance on Richmond. Instead of pursuing 
the plan of the previous year he decided to sail down the 
Potomac and Chesapeake Bay, and, landing at Fortress Monroe, 



3^4 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



to approach the Confederate capital by way of the peninsula 
between the James and the York Rivers. After a month's siege, 
early in May, Yorktown on the Peninsula was evacuated. 
Johnston withdrew before the superior forces of McClellan. 

At Williamsburg an in- 
decisive engagement 
took place. McClellan 
continued to advance.. 
Richmond was at the 
same time threatened 
by McDowell from 
Fredericksburg, and by 
Union gun-boats on the 
James River. In order 
that when a junction 
with McDowell was 
made, an army might 
still be between the 
Confederate army and 
Washington, McClellan 
threw a part of his forces across the Chickahominy River. 
While the river was in a swollen condition, separating the two 
divisions, Johnston attacked that part of the army which was 
on the south side of the Chickahominy. In this battle, called 
Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks, McClellan barely escaped a com- 
plete rout. Johnston was severely wounded in the battle, and 
had to withdraw from the command. He was succeeded by 
General Robert E. Lee, who commanded the army of Virginia 
until the close of the war. 

552. Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign. — Mc- 
Clellan had expected to be reenforced by McDowell. To 
prevent this General T. J. Jackson, who had won the name of 
" Stonewall " by the sturdy resistance of his command to the 





GENERAL LEE. 



1 



EVENTS OF 1862. 



Federal charges at Bull Run, undertook to clear the Shenan- 
doah Valley of Federal troops and even to threaten Washing- 
ton. The campaign was one of the most brilliant in history. 
Concealing his plans even from his own officers, in forty days 
he marched his army of 15,000 men nearly 400 miles, attacked 
and defeated in succession four bodies of troops commanded 




Eastern Virginia and the Sfienandoah Valley. 



by ]^lilroy, Banks, Fremont, and Shields, aggregating three 
times his own force. Washington was thought to be in danger, 
and McDowell, instead of reenforcing McClellan, was called 
back and kept there to protect it from Jackson. Having 
secured this result Jackson left the valley region and had 
united his forces with Lee's before his adversaries knew what 
he was about. Meanwhile, General J. E. B. Stuart had made 



366 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY, 



his famous cavalry ride around McClellan's army, doing much 
damage and greatly interfering with that commander's plans. 

553. The Seven Days' Battles. — When McClellan found 
that he could not expect to be reenforced by McDowell he 
began to change his base from the York to the James River. 
Lee began to attack on the 26th of June and for seven days 
the fighting was incessant. The Confederates won a series of 
victories at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Savage Station, 
Frazer's Farm and White Oak Swamp, and they were repulsed 
with heavy loss at Malvern Hill. McClellan finally reached 
the protection of his gun-boats on the James River, and began 
to reorganize his discomfited forces. His troops were recalled 
to Washington, and the so-called Peninsular Campaign ended 
in failure. (Map, p. 364.) 

554. Pope in Command. Second Battle of Manassas. — 

The forces around Washington were organized and united under 
the name of the Army of Virginia, and General John Pope, who 
had won considerable reputation in the capture of Island No. 10 
on the Mississippi, was put in command. McClellan's forces were 
ordered to unite with him. Pope chose the overland route against 
Richmond. While McClellan was withdrawing his forces and 
Lee was guarding Richmond from the Peninsula, Jackson was 
sent to check Pope. He defeated Pope's right wing at Cedar 
Mountain. As McClellan's command joined Pope, Lee's army 
was drawn forward to resist the united enemy. On August 30, 
Lee and Jackson attacked the combined Federal forces at the old 
battle-ground of Bull Run. In this second battle of Manassas 
Pope's army was utterly defeated, and driven headlong into 
Washington. The combined Union forces around Washington 
were again placed in command of McClellan. 

555. First Invasion of the North ; Battle of Antietam or . 
Sharpsburg. — Lee determined to invade the North. He 



EVENTS OF 1862. 



367 



crossed into Maryland and occupied Frederick City, north of 
Washington, threatening both Baltimore and Philadelphia. 
McClellan moved forward to intercept his march and Lee 
turned to the northwest. On the way Jackson captured 
Harper's Ferry with 12,000 Federal troops and large military 
stores. McClellan hastened after Lee and overtook him at 
Sharpsburg on Antietam Creek. Here on September 17 was 
fought one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Lee's army 
numbered about 40,000 and McClellan's more than twice as 
many. Each side lost over 10,000 men without either gaining 
the victory. Lee, unable to defeat McClellan, who was con- 
tinually receiving reenforcements, had to abandon his invasion 
of the North, and to retire across the Potomac into West 
Virginia. The Federal government, again dissatisfied with 
McClellan, put General Ambrose E. Burnside in command of 
the Army of the Potomac. 

556. Battle of Fredericksburg. — Burnside chose to march 
upon Richmond by way of Fredericksburg, hoping to reach 
that place before Lee. His army now numbered about 125,000, 
about twice as many men as Lee had. Crossing the Rappahan- 
nock, he found that Lee had fortified himself at Fredericksburg. 
The Federal army attacked (December 13) and were repulsed 
with heavy loss, — over 12,000 men, more than twice as many 
as the Confederates lost. Burnside withdrew across the Rap- 
pahannock and was superseded by General Joe Hooker. The 
two armies lay facing each other without any engagement until 
spring. 

557. Emancipation Proclamation. — President Lincoln had 
announced that the war was not against slavery, but to 
maintain the Union. Accordingly when the Union generals 
conquered slave territory and wished to declare the slaves 
therein free, he forbade them. Slaves were becoming more 
and more useful to the Confederates as teamsters, builders of 



368 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



earth-works, etc. General Butler declared that they were sub- 
ject to capture as any other property, and accordingly claimed 
them as " contraband of war." 

The president had recommended to Congress to appropriate 
money to purchase the slaves of loyal masters. But the con- 
gressmen from the slave states which had not seceded opposed 
this policy and it was not adopted. At last Lincoln decided 
that slavery must be abolished. He reached this conclusion 
early in the year 1862, but did not announce it until September, 
The Confederates had been very successful in Virginia, and 
such a proclamation would create the impression that the 
North was in a critical condition and grasping at straws. The 
battle of Antietam, though a drawn battle, was claimed as a 
Union victory because Lee withdrew from Maryland. Lincoln 
seized the opportunity. He issued a preliminary proclamation 
declaring that after January i, 1863, all the slaves in that part 
of the Union then in arms against the United States government 
would be set free. No attention was paid to the announcement, 
and accordingly on January i, 1863, he issued the famous 
Proclamation of Emancipation. This proclamation did not apply 
to the Union states, nor to those portions of the Confederacy 
which were then under Federal control (§§ 534, 544, 545). 

558. Summary of Events of 1862. — In the East. The Army of the 
Potomac, a large and thoroughly drilled force, was put under the command 
of General McClellan. He attempted to reach Richmond from the south- 
east by way of the Peninsula. Washington was protected meanwhile by an 
army under McDowell. Johnston, the Confederate leader, slowly withdrew 
towards Richmond. He was wounded at Seven Pines, and was succeeded 
by General R. E. Lee. To prevent McClellan from receiving assistance 
from McDowell, Jackson was sent up the Shenandoah Valley. 

McDowell was thus forced to retire to Washington to protect that city. 
Jackson then quickly rejoined Lee and aided him in the Seven Days' Battles. 
McClellan was forced to abandon his advance on Richmond. 

The authorities at Washington, dissatisfied with McClellan, ordered him 
to unite his forces with those of Pope, who had been given charge of the 



EVENTS OF 1862. 



army. Lee sent Jackson against Pope's army, which was defeated by him 
at Cedar Mountain. In the Second Battle of Manassas Pope's army 
was completely overthrown. Lee seized the opportunity to invade the 
North. McClellan was sent after him, and after the battle of Sharpsburg, or 
Antietam, Lee withdrew into northwest Virginia to recruit his army. The 
Union army was then given to Burnside, who endeavored to place his army 
between Lee and Richmond. At Fredericksburg he found himself confronted 
by the Southern army and was defeated. He was superseded by General 
Hooker. Thus three campaigns against Richmond ended in failure. 

In the West. The Confederates were driven out of Kentucky, and aftei 
the capture of Fort Donelson by Grant, Tennessee also was lost to them. 
General A. S. Johnston was killed at Shiloh at the moment of victory : 
Beauregard, who succeeded him, retreated south to Corinth. Followed by 
the Union army he abandoned that place. The Southern army was given 
to Bragg, who invaded Kentucky, and managed to elude Buell and escape 
safely back to Chattanooga. The Union army was given to General 
Rosecrans, and on the last day of the year the two armies met in the bloody 
and indecisive battle of Murfreesboro. 

Union forces gained possession of the Mississippi above Vicksburg, and 
captured the city of New Orleans. This was also a year of great naval 
battles. The fight between the Monitor and the Merrimac revolutionized 
naval warfare, introducing iron-clad war-vessels. 

Charleston, Wilmington, and Mobile were the only seaboard towns still 
held by the Confederacy. 



Synchronal Chart for 1862. 





East. 


West. 


O71 Miss. 


Seaboard. 


Jan. 19. 




Mill Spring. 






Feb. 6. 




Fort Henry. 




Roanoke Is- 


Feb. 8. 








land. 


Feb. 16. 




Fort Donelson. 






Mar. 8. 




Pea Ridge. 




Monitor' and 


Mar. 9. 








Merrimac. 


Apr. 6-7. 




Shiloh. 






Apr. 7. 






Island No. 10. 




Apr. II. 








Fort Pulaski. 



370 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY, 




Synchronal Chart fo^i 1862. — Continued. 





East. 


West. 


On Miss. 


Seaboard. 


Apr. 25. 






New Orleans. 




May 4. 


Yorkto\\ni, Va. 








May 5. 


Williamsburg. 








May 30. 




Corinth. 






May 31. 


Fair Oaks. 








June. 


Jackson's 

Campaign. 








June. 


Stuart's Raid. 








June 26 to 


Seven Days' 








July I. 


Battles. 








Aug. 9. 


Cedar Moun- 
tain. 








Aug. 30. 


Second Battle 








of Bull Run. 








Sept. 15. 


Harper's Ferry. 








Sept. 17. 


Antietam. 


Richmond. Ky. 






Sept. 19. 




luka. 






Oct. 3. 




Corinth. 






Oct. 7. 




Perryville. 






Dec. 29. 


Fredericksburg 








Dec. 31. 




Murfreesboro. 







EVEWTS OF 1863. 

IN THE EAST. 

559. Chancellor sville. — In the spring of 1S63. Hooker 
crossed the Rappahannock to recommence the movement 
against Richmond. His army, numbering about 130.000 men. 
was more than double that of Lee. The result of this moYC- 
ment was the battles around Chancellorsville (May 2 and 3). 
Jackson, by a fiank moYement. completely crushed the right 
wing of Hooker's army. Lee by skillful and brilliant general- 
ship followed up this advantage, and Hooker's fine army was 




GENERAL JACKSON. 



EVENTS OF 1863. 



defeated and forced back across the Rappahannock (map, 
p. 365). In this engagement the Union army lost about 25,000 
men, — more than double the Confederate loss. But Lee lost 
one whose place was harder to fill than the thousands of the 
Union slain. New soldiers could be drafted, but the loss of 
"Stonewall" Jackson to the South was irreparable. In "~ the 
darkness of night, he and a small party of Confederates were 
mistaken for enemies by his own men and fired upon. Jackson 
was mortally wounded, and after eight days' illness passed away. 

560. Lee's Second Invasion of the North. — After his 
brilliant victories around Chancellorsville, Lee felt strong 
enough to assume the aggressive. Again he began an invasion 
of the North. With an army of 70,000 men he hurried north- 
ward, passing Washington on the west, and entered Pennsyl- 
vania. The Union army of 100,000 men hurriedly gathered to 
protect Washington and 
keep between Lee and 
the city. Philadelphia 
was threatened. Conster- 
nation spread in the North 
at the imminent danger. 




561. Battle of Gettys- 
burg. — Just on the eve 
of the meeting of the two 
armies. General Hooker 
was superseded by 
General Meade, who com- 
manded the Union forces 

in the great battle which ^ , ^/, . 

o General Meade. 

followed. Meade took 

position at Gettysburg in the way of Lee's march on Phila- 
delphia. Meade, with his superior forces, was strongly 
entrenched. Lee attacked his position with great fury for 



3/2 HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 

three days, July i, 2, and 3 ; more than 160,000 men were engaged 
in this battle, and the combined loss of the two armies was nearly 
50,000 men. At the close of the second day the advantage lay 
with the Confederates. Part of the lines 
had been carried, but the Union forces 
still held their ground. On the 3d of 
July came the last desperate assault 
upon the Union lines. The heavy can- 
nonading which had lasted two hours 
suddenly died away, and forward went 
the long, magnificent line into the very 
jaws of death. The heroism of this 
charge has never been surpassed. Pick- 
ett's division of Virginia soldiers led. 
They were met by men equally stern and unyielding, and the 
ranks of the brave Confederates melted away under the terrific 
fire. President Lincoln, when shown afterward the position 
held by the Union forces and attacked by the Confederates, 
said, " I am proud to be the countryman of the- men who 
assailed those heights." But the charge had failed, and Lee 
and the superb army of northern Virginia had been checked. 
The courage of the North revived, and disaffection toward the 
Confederate government began to be expressed in the South. 
This battle was the turning-point of the war. It was impossible 
for the South to replace the 20,000 brave veterans who had 
been lost in the battle of Gettysburg. With one-third of his 
army destroyed, Lee began his retreat to Virginia. He was 
followed — at a safe distance — by the Union army as far as 
the Rapidan River. Here the two armies remained during the 
rest of the year, and this was their position when Grant 
assumed command the following year. 




EVENTS OF 1863. 



373 



ON THE MISSISSIPPI. 



562. Fall of Vicksburg. — While the important events, the 
battle of Chancellorsville and the invasion of the North, were 
occupying the attention of the forces in the East, Grant was 
busily preparing plans for the capture of Vicksburg. His 
army was stationed at Holly Springs in northern Mississippi. 
Grant made several attempts to gain possession of Vicksburg, 
all of which were unsuccessful. In one of these he attempted 
to change the course 
of the Mississippi 
River by digging a 
canal across a great 
bend. This would 
have left Vicksburg 
off of the Mississippi 
River. His attempt 
was unsuccessful. 
Finally he hit upon 
a plan. Against the 
protest of his assist- 
ant, General Sher- 
man, he decided to 
attack Vicksburg 
from the south. By 
a daring movement 
the gunboats were 
run past the city, 

and Grant himself moved down the west side of the river, 
and crossed the Mississippi in his gunboats. He pushed on to 
Jackson, Mississippi, thus preventing Johnston from coming to 
the aid of Vicksburg. Pemberton, who commanded the Con- 
federate army near Vicksburg, retreated within his fortifica- 
tions. Grant, after two unsuccessful attacks, determined to lay 




374 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



siege to the place, and starve the people into surrender. After 
seven weeks' siege, the people being almost famished, Pemberton, 
seeing no chance of success or relief, surrendered to General 
Grant. The surrender of Vicksburg was a heavy blow to the 
Confederacy. Over 30,000 prisoners were captured ; large 
stores of fire-arms and ammunition, so much needed by the 
South, fell into the hands of the Federals ; the Mississippi was 
practically in the hands of the Union army. Vicksburg fell on 
the very day that Lee began his retreat from Pennsylvania, 
July 4, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 
Five days later Port Hudson surrendered to General Banks's 
army, and the control of the Mississippi passed into the hands 
of the Federal Government. The Confederacy was thus 
divided by Federal armies, and assistance from beyond the 
Mississippi was cut o£f.^ 

563. On the Coast of Texas. — The efforts of the Union 
forces to gain a foothold on the soil of Texas were unsuccessful 
until the latter part of 1863. Galveston was occupied by them 
during the summer of 1862, but General Magruder recaptured 
the city on the first day of January, 1863, after a spirited con- 
test in which two Federal vessels were destroyed. After the 
capture of Port Hudson, Banks sent a strong detachment by 
sea to take Sabine Pass, and invade Texas from the South. 
The attack on Sabine Pass was repulsed with heavy loss by a 
small body of Confederates,^ and the attempt was abandoned. 
Corpus Christi and Brownsville were afterward occupied by 
Banks. 

1 General John Morgan, with four thousand Confederate cavalry, made a raid in 
July, 1863, through Tennessee and Kentucky, into Indiana and Ohio, causing great 
excitement. He was finally captured and imprisoned, but escaped soon after. 

2 Forty-two men, under Dowling and Smith. 



EVENTS OF 1863. 



375 



IN THE WEST. 

564. Battle of Chickamauga. — After the battle of Mur- 
freesboro, which had begun on the last day of 1862, and lasted 
through the first two days of 1863, the armies had long re- 
mained inactive. The Confederate General Bragg had with- 
drawn his forces, leaving the Union army under Rosecrans in 
possession of Murfreesboro. For six months nothing was done 
on either side. In June, General Rosecrans began a forward 
movement, Bragg retiring before him. Chattanooga thus fell 
into the hands of the Union army. Bragg had halted at 
Chickamauga, in northwest Georgia, twelve miles from Chat- 
tanooga. Here he was reenforced by troops from Lee's army, 
under General Longstreet, and by Johnston from Mississippi. 
On September 19 an attack was begun by the Union army. 
The result of the first day's battle was indecisive. On the 
second day Rosecrans's forces were divided, and his right 
wing was completely routed, and retreated to Chattanooga. 
The left wing, under General George H. Thomas, the " Rock 
of Chickamauga," made a magnificent resistance and saved the 
Union army from overwhelming defeat. Thomas retreated to 
Chattanooga, and Bragg began a siege of that place. 

565. Siege of Chattanooga. — Rosecrans's army was com- 
pletely shut off from outside communications, and his capture 
seemed certain. Bragg had his forces strongly posted in the 
apparently impregnable positions on Lookout Mountain and 
Missionary Ridge. So sure was he of his success that he sent 
part of his forces, under Longstreet, against Burnside, who 
was at Knoxville. After the capture of Vicksburg Grant was 
put in charge of all the armies in the West. He collected 
forces from all the armies, and went to the relief of Chatta- 
nooga. General Hooker also brought forces from the Army 
of the Potomac. 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



566. Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. — In order 
to relieve Chattanooga, Grant determined to take the Con- 
federate positions on Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. 
To take Bragg's position, half a mile up the mountain " above 
the clouds," seemed impossible. On November 24 Lookout 
Mountain was stormed ; on the following day the Confederate 
forces were driven from Missionary Ridge. Bragg retreated 
to Dalton, Ga., and the command of the army was turned over 
to General Johnston. Equally unsuccessful was General Long- 
street against Burnside. An attack on Knoxville had been 
disastrously repulsed. General Grant hastened to Burnside's 
assistance, and Longstreet crossed into Virginia and rejoined 
Lee. 

567. Conscription Act. — The war had lasted so long that it 
became necessary to force men into service on both sides by Con- 
scription Acts. Conscription was bitterly opposed in some parts 
of the North where opposition to the war was strong. The 
opposition culminated in what is known as the Draft Riot in 
New York City. This riot began on July 13, and for three 
days the city was in the hands of the mob. Their hatred 
of negroes was manifested by attacks upon them and by the 
burning of an orphan asylum for colored children. Governor 
Seymour tried to pacify the mob, but was unable to do so. 
About 100 people were killed. Finally the police, assisted by 
troops, quelled the disturbance, and order was restored. The 
drafting of soldiers was a failure, and its only success lay in 
encouraging voluntary enlistment. The spirit of opposition to 
the war was so strong in the North that in August President 
Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus. The successes at 
Vicksburg and Gettysburg tended, however, to arrest disaffec- 
tion and create sentiment in favor of the administration policy. 

568. West Virginia. — In June of this year West Virginia 
was admitted into the Union. As before stated (§ 530), the 



EVENTS OF 1864. 



377 



people in the western part of the State of Virginia refused to 
side with their state in the passage of the secession ordinance, 
and organized a Legislature. The Constitution provides that a 
state cannot be divided without the consent of the state Legis- 
lature, and so this Legislature claimed to be the only one in 
Virginia. The state was divided by them, and in June the 
western part was admitted into the Union under the name of 
West Virginia. 

569. Summary of Events of 1863. — The year 1863 was the turning- 
point of the war. The Mississippi had completely fallen into the hands of 
the United States by the capture of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. 

In the East, Hooker had commenced operations by trying to march 
around the west of Fredericksburg and upon Richmond. He met 
disastrous defeat at Chancellorsville. Lee then invaded the North, reach- 
ing south Pennsylvania. Hooker followed him until superseded by 
Meade. The latter stationed himself in the Southern general's path at 
Gettysburg and Lee could not dislodge him. This forced the abandon- 
ment of the Northern invasion. 

In the West, Rosecrans had marched upon Bragg, who thereupon 
evacuated Chattanooga. He was overtaken, but turned and defeated 
Rosecrans at Chickamauga. The Union army retreated to Chattanooga 
and was closely besieged. Their ultimate surrender seemed certain. Grant, 
who had on July 4 captured Vicksburg, came to Rosecrans's relief. Sher- 
man and Hooker also brought assistance. Bragg was defeated and 
resigned his command. His army was given to General J. E. Johnston. 

The same day that Lee began his retreat from Pennsylvania Vicksburg 
surrendered to Grant. Thenceforth the South was wholly on the defensive, 
and was gradually exhausting her strength. 

Let the pupil prepare a Synchronal Chart for 1863, similar to the one 
on page 369. 

EVENTS OF 1864. 

570. Minor Movements. — The two important campaigns 
of 1864 did not begin till May. Up to this time some less 
important movements must engage our attention. 

Florida was invaded by a Union army to reclaim it for the 
Union, but the Federals were defeated at Ocean Pond. 



378 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



General Sherman advanced from Vicksburg, Miss., to capture 
Mobile. He tore up railroad and telegraph communications 
around Meridian, and thus prevented any assistance to the 
Southern army from the west, and cut off the Confederate 
army in northern Georgia from a good basis of supplies. The 
cavalry which he expected to assist him was met and defeated 
by General Forrest. Sherman, after inflicting considerable 
damage, returned to Vicksburg. Forrest, after driving the 
Union cavalry back to Memphis, continued his raid. He 
attacked Paducah, Ky., but was unsuccessful. He turned 
southward into Tennessee and captured Fort Pillow, manned 
principally by negro troops. Most of them were killed. The 
Red River expedition under General Banks resulted in com- 
plete failure on the Union part. This expedition was to capture 
Shreveport, and conquer the rest of Louisiana. Banks was so 
thoroughly beaten by an inferior force under General Dick 
Taylor at Mansfield (Sabine Cross Roads) and Pleasant Hill 
that he was glad to get back to New Orleans. The gunboats 
which accompanied Banks's army were barely rescued. 

571. Grant Made Lieutenant-General. — This was the 
situation of affairs when Grant completed his plans for the 
campaign which was to close the war. His uniform successes 
in the West during 1863 had won the confidence of the Federal 
authorities. In the spring of 1864 the office of Lieutenant- 
General was revived and given to Grant. All the Union forces 
in America, amounting to nearly one million men, were put 
under his direction. The total Confederate forces numbered 
at this time less than one-third of the Union forces in the field. 
Besides, the Confederacy had no means of increasing its army. 
The Union, by its bounty system, easily secured recruits, draw- 
ing soldiers even from Europe. 

572. Grant's Plan. — Two movements were planned against 
the Confederacy — the capture of Atlanta and the capture of 



EVENTS OF 1864. 



379 



Richmond. Grant left Sherman to march against Atlanta, 
while he himself assumed command of the Army of the Potomac. 
The troops on both sides were principally massed into two 
large armies. The one under Sherman, numbering 100,000 
men, was to oppose the Confederates under J. E. Johnston with 
70,000 troops. Grant's immense army of 175,000 soldiers was 
to " hammer " away at Lee's army of about one-third the size. 
The movements were to be simultaneous and continuous, so as 
to prevent Johnston and Lee from rendering aid to each other. 
During the first week of May both Sherman and Grant began 
their forward movements. Let us first follow Grant's attack 
on Richmond. 

IN THE EAST. 

573. Grant^s Plans against Richmond. — In his movement 
against the Confederate capital Grant chose the direct overland 
route. For the purpose he took 100,000 men, leaving a reserve 
force of 40,000 upon which to draw. He also organized two 
minor expeditions, — one under General Butler and another 
under Generals Crook and Sigel, Butler was sent with 30,000 
troops to ascend the James river, attack Petersburg, and 
threaten Richmond from the south. Crook and Sigel were 
sent to capture Lynchburg and threaten the Confederate capi- 
tal from the west. (See map, p. 365.) 

574. Lee versus Grant. — Grant began his forward move- 
ment on the 5th of May, and entered the Wilderness south of 
the Rapidan. Lee advanced to meet him, and attempted 
during the succeeding month, with consummate skill, to 
thwart the forward movement of Grant. On May 5, 6, and 
7 the bloody battles in the Wilderness were fought. Grant 
continued to force Lee slowly back by sending troops around 
his flank. Beginning on the 9th, four days' severe and bloody 
encounters took place at Spottsylvania Court-house. Grant 



38o 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



continued his movement around Lee's right till the latter had to 
fall back to his entrenchments around Richmond. He attacked 
the Confederates at Cold Harbor, but was severely beaten, and 
gave up the attempt to storm Lee's position. There had been 
continuous fighting for a month, and yet Grant had been un- 
able to break through Lee's line. On the contrary, Lee could 
not hope to drive the Union army back, but could only act 
on the defensive. The loss on both sides had been terrible. 
During the march from the Rapidan to the fortifications 
around Richmond, the Union loss was not less than 60,000 
men, equal in number to Lee's entire army. The Confederates 
had also lost a large number, a loss deeply felt, for it was 
growing more and more difficult to replace the men. 

575. Butler *s Movements. — Butler had made his way up 
the James river and landed below Petersburg on the peninsula 
formed by the confluence of the James and the Appomattox 
rivers. Beauregard erected fortifications across the peninsula 
from river to river, and thus effectually " bottled up " Butler 
at Bermuda Hundreds on the peninsula. 

576. The Movement against Lynchburg ; Early and Sheri- 
dan in the Valley. — General Sigel was met and defeated by 
General Breckinridge. Sigel's command was then given to 
Hunter, who, with Crook's forces, was driven from the Shenan- 
doah Valley by General Early. . Lee, in the hope of distracting 
Grant's attention from Richmond, had sent General Early 
through the Shenandoah Valley into Maryland to threaten 
Washington. Early, after turning aside to save Lynchburg, 
resumed his original plan and marched northward into Mary- 
land. He was detained at Monocacy, where he met and routed 
the Federal forces which opposed him. By the time he reached 
Washington he found it too strong for him to capture. He 
captured provisions for the army and began his return to Lee. 
As soon as Grant heard of the danger in which Washington 



EVENTS OF 1864. 



stood he despatched General Sheridan against General Early. 
On the 19th of September Early was defeated at Winchester. 
A month later Early attacked the Federal forces during 
Sheridan's absence and routed them. Sheridan met his flee- 
ing forces, turned them, and routed the Confederates. Grant 
afterward ordered Sheridan to lay waste the beautiful Shen- 
andoah Valley. It is still an unsettled question whether 
military necessity could justify such wanton and wholesale 
destruction of private property as Sheridan's men inflicted 
(§ 589). 

577. Grant's Change of Base. — Finding that he would be 
unable to take the fortifications around Richmond, Grant de- 
termined to change the basis of his operations to the James 
River. He moved his army to this new position, thus threaten- 
ing the fortifications around Petersburg, which is twenty miles 
south of Richmond. Lee had a continuous fine of fortifications 
about thirty miles in length surrounding Petersburg and Rich- 
mond. Lee's army still numbered about 60,000, while Grant 
was besieging him with over twice that number. By pushing 
towards the southwest Grant forced Lee to lengthen this line 
of fortifications, and thus weaken his line of defense. Lee 
lacked forces to man his fortifications. 

578. The Petersburg Mine. — On July 30, much to the sur- 
prise of the Confederates, the breastworks around Petersburg 
were hurled into the air, and a break made in the line of de- 
fense. Into this breach in the fortifications, making a crater in 
the ground. Union troops were poured. They but rushed to a 
slaughter-pit, for over 4000 lost their lives, and no entrance 
into Petersburg was made. This attempt to blow up the 
fortifications by exploding four tons of gunpowder under them 
resulted disastrously to the Federals, and did but little damage 
to the Confederates. 



382 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Grant saw that he could not take the fortifications by storm, 
and he began the siege, which lasted nine months. During 
the remainder of the year 1864 nothing more of importance 
occurred in the East. , 

IN THE WEST. 

579. Sherman and Johnston. — About the same time that 
Grant crossed the Rapidan and began his advance upon Lee, 
Sherman commenced his march to Atlanta. He was opposed 
by Johnston with a force little more than half as large as his 




own. No regular engage- 
ment took place. Johnston 
adopted the " Fabian pol- 
icy " of retreating till a 
favorable moment for re- 
sistance should occur. This 
policy was a successful one, 
and Sherman found his 
march to Atlanta very diffi- 
cult. He continually at- 
tempted to pass around 
Johnston's army, thus com- 
pelling him to fall back to 
a new position. Various 
encounters took place be- 



tween the two armies, but 
no set battle was fought. Johnston would select his ground 
and at an opportune moment would strike the advancing hosts. | 
He made a stand at Resaca. Again on May 25, 26, and 27, 
the armies encountered each other near Dallas. The most 
severe encounter was at Kenesaw Mountain. Here Sherman's 
assault was severely repulsed. Gradually the wily Confederate 
chieftain fell back to his fortifications around Atlanta. At last 
he determined to engage the forces of Sherman. Sherman's 
loss had been considerably more than Johnston's. 



i 



EVENTS OF 1864. 




General J. E.Johnston. 



580. Hood in Command. — At this critical point in the 
campaign Johnston was superseded by General John B. Hood. 
Instead of awaiting the attack 
as Johnston had intended, 
Hood determined to make 
an attack himself. Hood's 
forces were inferior in num- 
bers to Sherman's, and his 
repeated assaults were severe- 
ly repulsed. The Confeder- 
ates could ill afford the loss 
they suffered. On the last day 
of August Hood was forced 
to evacuate the city, and on 
the 2d of September it fell 
into the hands of General 
Sherman. The loss of Atlanta was a heavy blow to the Con- 
federacy. Here were stationed their machine shops ^ and 

stores of war munitions. 

581. Hood in Tennes- 
see. — After his evacuation 
of Atlanta Hood moved 
northward, hoping to draw 
Sherman after him. The 
Union army followed a 
short distance. Then a 
detachment under General 
Thomas, equal in number 
to Hood's depleted army, 
was sent after the Con- 
federates. These forces 
Hood met at Franklin and drove from the field. Next he 
besieged Thomas at Nashville. On December 15 and 16, 




General Thomas. 



384 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Thomas came out and gave him battle and utterly defeated the 
Confederate army. One of the two strong Confederate armies 
was broken up. It never was completely re-united. 

582. Sherman's March to the Sea. — After sending 
Thomas after Hood, Sherman returned to Atlanta. This 
place he burned. He then set out upon his march to the 

sea. His army, number- 
ing 60,000 men, cut a 
swath through Georgia 
sixty miles wide. No effi- 
cient force lay before — 
nothing to stop him in 
his forward march. He 
cut loose from all com- 
munications with the 
North, and for a month 
nothing was heard from 
him. His army carried 
devastation into the rich 
country hitherto free from 
soldiery. The railroads 
were all destroyed. After 
an eight days' siege Savannah was captured on December 28. 
Sherman here reopened communications with the North, tele- 
graphing to President Lincoln that he gave him Savannah as a 
Christmas gift. 

583. On the Coast and Sea. — In the summer of this year 
a stop was put to blockade running in Mobile. Admiral 
Farragut with his fleet attacked the two forts guarding the 
entrance, and captured them. He also captured the Con- 
federate iron-clad, the Ten?iessee. 

The Alabama, built the year before, was sunk in a combat 
off the coast of France. The Alabama was in the port of Cher- 




EVENTS OF 1864. 



bourg, France. While there Semmes, her captain, offered 
battle to the Federal steamer Kearsarge, and in an hour and a 
half the Alabama had sunk. 

The Confederate cruiser Florida was illegally captured while 
in a neutral port in Brazil. Before any steps were taken in 
regard to it, the vessel was sunk by a collision with a United 
States vessel in Hampton Roads. 

584. Negro Troops. — The Union authorities now began to 
enlist negroes in the service. This movement aroused prejudice 
at the North, and caused great indignation in the South. The 
South had not recognized the slaves as free, and consequently 
when the negro troops were taken as prisoners, they refused to 
exchange them as prisoners of war. A general stoppage of 
exchange was the result. By this time the South was shut in 
to her own resources, and her people were suffering from want. 
They were unable to furnish even themselves with necessary 
provisions. 

Under these circumstances, the suffering of those Union 
soldiers who were imprisoned at Andersonville, Ga., and at 
Richmond, Va., was very great. Necessarily prisoners shared 
such privation as the blockade made common throughout the 
South. 

585. Presidential Campaign of 1864. — Much dissatisfac- 
tion had arisen in the North over the long-continued war. 
Many were weary of the struggle and desired peace. The 
Democratic convention declared openly its hostility to the war, 
pronouncing it a failure. They put in nomination for the 
presidency General McClellan, who secured a large popular 
vote. Opportune Union victories gave renewed confidence in 
Lincoln, who was reelected. Andrew Johnson, the war gover- 
nor of Tennessee, was elected vice-president. 



386 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



586. Summary of Events of 1864. — The campaign had been opened 
in May by forward movements in the East under Grant and in the West 
under Sherman. In his advance against Richmond, Grant had fought the 
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Cold Harbor. Lee was 
finally driven inside his fortifications, and the siege of Petersburg began. 

In the West Sherman had been skillfully opposed by Johnston, who 
was gradually forced to fall back to Atlanta. Here Johnston was super- 
seded by Hood. Atlanta was captured and Hood retreated into Ten- 
nessee. He was followed by General Thomas and his army was almost 
totally destroyed at Nashville. Sherman continued his march southward 
and just before Christmas had reached Savannah. 

CONCLUSION OF THE WAR (1865). 

587. Sherman's March through the Carolinas. — In 

February, 1865, Sherman left Savannah, and began his march 
northward to join Grant. He had been ordered to transport 
his army by sea, but finding this impracticable, he marched 
overland through the State of South Carolina, which was 
looked upon in the North as the "hotbed of the rebellion." 
Much destruction marked his path. The beautiful city of 
Columbia, the capital of the state, was burned while Sher- 
man's army was occupying it. Unopposed by any obstacle 
save such as nature offered, Sherman continued his onward 
movement, clearly demonstrating the fact that the Confederacy 
was but a shell which he had penetrated. 

588. Johnston Recalled. — Meanwhile Johnston had been 
recalled, and gathering what scattered remnants of the old 
army he could find, with the garrisons of Charleston and other 
coast cities which had been evacuated at Sherman's approach, 
he placed himself in front of Sherman with a force of about 
40,000 men. Sherman was vigorously and almost successfully 
attacked at Goldsboro, N. C, on March 19. Finally Johnston 
was driven back to Raleigh. Here the two armies rested, 
awaiting the result in Virginia. 



CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. 



387 



589. Sheridan^s Raid. — General Sheridan, with his cavalry, 
moved southward up the Shenandoah Valley, carrying destruc- 
tion with him. His object was to cut o£E Lee's base of sup- 
plies from the West and South by ravaging the country and 
destroying railroad connections. He managed to endanger 
Lee's position seriously. He then rejoined Grant around 
Richmond. 

590. Evacuation of Richmond and Surrender of Lee. — 

Grant had been gradually extending his army around Rich- 
mond, thereby lengthening and, at the same time, weakening 
Lee's line of defense. By sudden attacks Lee gained some 
unimportant successes. At last the line was lengthened too 
much and broke in twain. Grant, with his 200,000 men, was 
able to force the 45,000 men under Lee to leave their position. 
On the last day of March the assault upon the Confederate 
line began. For three days the attacks were nobly met, and 
then Lee, realizing that he could not resist another attack, on 
April 2, evacuated his position and began his retreat toward the 
southwest. Grant pursued vigorously, giving the Confederates 
no time for rest. The army was famished. Lee's forward move- 
ment was stopped at Appomattox Court House by Union forces 
under Sheridan. Grant was behind him. Surrounded on all 
sides by overwhelming forces, he surrendered, April 9, his less 
than 10,000 muskets. Liberal terms were granted, the soldiers 
being permitted to return home after giving their oath not to 
enlist again in the war till exchanged.-^ 

591. Assassination of President Lincoln — Five days after 
Lee's surrender the world was shocked by the assassination of 
President Lincoln. He was shot in his box at Ford's Theater 

1 After the close of the war General Lee, declining several advantageous business 
propositions, became the president of Washington College in Virginia. He died 
there in 1870, beloved by the people whom he had served so well, and respected 
throughout the world. His character resembles that of Washington. 



388 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



in Washington, on the evening of April 14, by John Wilkes 
Booth, a famous actor. Booth seems to have thought that the 
death of the president and members of his cabinet (Secretary 
Seward was stabbed, but not fatally, in his own house on the 
same evening) would paralyze the government and give the 
South another chance. He crept up behind the president, 
who was in the midst of his family and friends, and shot him 
through the head. He then leaped upon the stage, exclaiming 
" Sic semper tyrannis " (Thus ever to tyrants). Although the | 
assassin fell and broke a leg, he escaped from the theater and 
fled into Virginia, where he was shortly afterward overtaken 
and, as he refused to surrender, put to death. The assassina- 
tion was a part of a conspiracy which was ferreted out. The 
conspirators were captured, tried, and convicted, four to be 
hanged, and four to serve long terms of imprisonment. Booth 
was probably insane. His crime was viewed with horror in the 
South as well as in the North. The tragic death of Lincoln 
was a terrible misfortune to the whole country, and most of all 
to the South. Vice-President Johnson took the oath of office 
as president within three hours after Lincoln had passed 
away. 

592. Surrender of Johnston; Close of the War. — After 
Lee's surrender, Johnston and Sherman agreed upon terms of 
surrender for the former's army. These terms were rejected 
by President Johnson and his cabinet as too liberal. No 
doubt this was due to the North's being enraged at the assassi- 
nation of President Lincoln. Johnston surrendered to Sher- 
man, April 26, upon the same terms as had been accorded to 
Lee. The surrender of all Southern forces followed. General 
Kirby Smith surrendered the Confederate forces west of the 
Mississippi May 26. The last battle of the war was at Boco 
Chico, Texas, May 12. The Confederates won the fight. The 
war was at an end. The South had worn herself out fighting . 



CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. 



against overwhelming odds both in numbers and material 
resources. President Davis was captured in Georgia on the 
loth of May. After being kept in prison for two years he was 
finally released on bail without trial.^ 

THE WAR ENDED. 

593. Numbers Engaged. — On July i, 1861, the Union 
army numbered 186,000 men. Six months later it had in- 
creased to nearly six hundred thousand. The increase con- 
tinued until more than a million men were under arms at a 
time. The entire number of men enrolled in the Union armies 
during the four years was 2,650,000. 

The Confederates never had so many troops in the field as 
the Federals, and toward the close of the war the number be- 
came very much smaller. The numbers were about as 10 to 9 
in 1861; in 1862 they were as 10 to 6; in 1863, as 10 to 7 ; 
in 1864, as 10 to 4, and in January, 1865, as 10 to 2. The 
entire white male population of the South, in i860, was about 
2,800,000. Of this number not more than one in three would 
make an able-bodied soldier. Probably about 900,000 men 
altogether were enrolled in the Confederate armies during the 
four years. 

594. Losses: In Men. — The Union armies lost by deaths 
during the war about 360,000 men. The loss of the Confed- 
erates is not known, but it may have amounted to a quarter of 
a million. Many more on both sides incurred wounds or 
diseases which either killed them afterward or disabled them 
for life. It is probable that the war cost the country three 
quarters of a million of its best men. 

1 His remaining years were spent chiefly at his home in Mississippi, He died on 
December 6, 1889, honored and beloved by the devoted people whose chosen leader he 
had been. 



390 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



595. Losses: In Money. — The money cost of the war is 
estimated by careful students at $9,000,000,000. The national 
debt in August, 1865, reached the enormous sum of $2,845,- 
907,626.26. It has not been paid off yet, — thirty years after 
the close of the contest. The amount paid for pensions to 
Union soldiers seems likely to reach $2,000,000,000. Besides 
what the general government spent, the states and municipali- 
ties poured out freely vast sums to help preserve the Union. 

But the South sulfered most. The abolition of slavery 
meant, to the white people of the South, the destruction of 
$2,000,000,000 of their property. The property destroyed by 
both armies was enormous. Thousands of homes were burned, 
cities were destroyed, railroads were torn up, and all the notes 
and bonds ^ issued by the states of the Confederacy, as well as 
by the Confederate government, were made worthless by the 
failure of the Confederacy. 

JVI/AT THE WAR SETTLED. 

596. (i) Slavery* — The people of the North did not begin 
the war to destroy slavery, but to preserve the Union. The 
Crittenden Resolution, which was proposed at the beginning 
of the war, expressed the feeling of the great masses of the 
people in the Northern states. Its language was as follows : 
" The war is not waged in any spirit of oppression, or for the 
purpose of conquest or subjugation, or the overthrowing or the 
interfering with the rights or established institutions of the 
states ; but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Con- 
stitution, and to preserve the Union with all the dignity, 
equality, and rights of the several states unimpaired." It 
further declared that " as soon as these objects are accom- 
plished the war ought to cease." President Lincoln at first 
ordered the Union commanders not to interfere with slavery. 

1 See Constitution, Amendment XIV. 



CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. 



When the slaves were declared free in Missouri by General 
Fremont in 1861, and in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina 
in 1862 by General Hunter, the president countermanded the 
proclamations. General B. F. Butler, as before stated (§ 557), 
solved the problem of what to do with the slaves when they 
were captured by the Federal forces by declaring them " contra- 
band of war," inasmuch as they were property used by the South 
to assist in providing support, working on the fortifications, etc. 

In 1862, when the war was going against the Union, Presi- 
dent Lincoln decided upon the emancipation of the slaves as a 
war measure, but he did not wish emancipation to seem a last 
resort, and so he waited until a success should crown the Union 
armies before making the proclamation. He afterwards said, 
" I made a solemn vow to God that if General Lee was driven 
back from Maryland I would crown the result by the declara- 
tion of freedom to the slaves." After the drawn battle of 
Antietam, Lee retired from Maryland to Virginia. Five days 
later (September 22, 1862), the first emancipation proclamation 
was issued by Lincoln. By it the seceded states were warned 
that the slaves would be set free in all the states that were not 
under Union authority by January i, 1863. No seceded state 
returned to the Union and on the date named the final procla- 
mation was issued (§ 557). The State of Tennessee and 
a portion of Louisiana were under Union authority when the 
emancipation act went into effect, and so the slaves were not 
set free in this territory at that time. The president intended 
that slaves residing in territory subject to Union authority 
should be paid for by the government, but his purpose was not 
carried out. 

The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing 
slavery, proposed by Congress in February, 1865, was declared 
adopted in December of the same year. Thus the slavery 
question, which had poisoned the civil life of the country for 
many years, was settled forever by making the Union ^' all free." 



392 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



597. (2) The Right of Secession. — The South beUeved in 
the right of secession. It appealed to the sword in defense of 
its behef. The North held to the doctrine that the Union was 
indestructible, and took up arms to enforce its belief. The 
North won and so it was settled by force that no state can 
leave the Union. 

The war was one of conquest. The differences in develop- 
ment and institutions had made two different peoples, almost 
two different nations, of the North and the South. The war 
wiped out the differences and re-united the sections. 

598. The Armies Disbanded. — The Union armies were 
reviewed at Washington by the president in May and nearly a 
million men were paid off and sent to their homes. The regu- 
lar army was reduced to 50,000 men. The soldiers, proud of 
success, turned to the pursuits of peace, finding their country 
prospering as never before. 

The case was far different with the Southern soldiers. 
" Ragged, half-starved, heavy-hearted," they went back to begin 
anew and build up a new South. 

1 The following description of the South's desolation at the close of the War between 
the States is not overdrawn. " Think of him as ragged, half-starved, heavy-hearted, 
enfeebled by want and wounds ; having fought to exhaustion, he surrenders his gun, 
wrings the hands of his comrades in silence, and lifting his tear-stained and pallid 
face for the last time to the graves that dot the old Virginia hills, pulls his gray cap 
over his brow and begins the slow and painful journey. What does he find — let me 
ask you who went to your homes eager to find, in the welcome you had justly earned, 
full payment for four years' sacrifice — what does he find when, having followed the 
battle-stained cross against overwhelming odds, dreading death not half so m,uch as 
surrender, he reaches the home he left so prosperous and beautiful ? He finds his 
house in ruins, his farm devastated, his slaves free, his stock killed, his barn empty, 
his trade destroyed, his money worthless ; his social system, feudal in its magnificence, 
swept away; his people without law or legal status ; his comrades slain, and the bur- 
dens of others hezvy on his shoulders. Crushed by defeat, his very traditions gone ; 
without money, credit, employment, material training; and besides all this, con- 
fronted with the gravest problem that ever met human intelligence — the establishing 
of a status for the vast body of his liberated slaves. " What does he do, — this hero 



CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. 



393 



599. Summary of Last Year of the War. — Sherman, leaving Savannah, 
marched northward to join Grant, leaving destruction in his path. In 
North Carolina he was ineffectually opposed by an army under Joseph 
E. Johnston. The Shenandoah Valley in Virginia was laid waste by 
Sheridan's troops. Lee was compelled by Grant's superior forces to 
evacuate Petersburg and Richmond. On April 9, at Appomattox Court 
House, a few miles southwest of Richmond, Lee accepted terms of sur- 
render for his army. On April 14 President Lincoln was assassinated 
in a Washington theater, and Vice-President Johnson became president. 
Within the next two months the armies of Joseph E. Johnston and all 
other Southern forces surrendered. Probably three and a half million men 
were enrolled in the armies on both sides during the war, one-fourth of 
these in Southern armies. The war cost the lives of three-quarters of a 
million men, and nine billion dollars in money and property. As results of 
the war, slavery was abolished, secession was forever forbidden, and the 
North and South were in the end more closely united. 

600. Thought Questions. — What did the South consider the first act 
of the war ? What did the North consider the first act ? Why did South 
Carolina insist on the surrender of Fort Sumter? Why did President 
Lincoln refuse to agree to its surrender.? What principle was the South 
fighting for The North ? Was there any advantage to the South in the 
fact that the war was waged in her territory ? What disadvantages resulted 
to her from this ? Copy and fill out the following table : 





1861. 


1862. 


1863. 


1864 and 1865. 


Union Victories. 
Confederate Victories. 











in gray with a heart of gold ? Does he sit down in sullenness and despair ? Not for 
a day. Surely God, who had stripped him of his prosperity, inspired hirn in his 
adversity. As ruin was never before so overwhelming, never was restoration swifter. 
The soldier stepped from the trenches into the furrow ; horses that had faced Federal 
guns marched before the plow, and fields that ran red with human blood in April 
were green with the harvest in June ; women reared in luxury cut up their dresses 
and made breeches for their husbands, and, with a patience and heroism that fit 
women always as a garment, gave their hands to work. There was little bitterness 
in all this. Cheerfulness and frankness prevailed." — H. W. Grady, before the 
New England Society. 



394 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



In what year was the South most successful ? What was the turning- 
point of the war ? What results might have followed if McDowell had 
defeated the Southern army at Bull Run ? What injury to the South did 
the slaves have it in their power to inflict during the war ? What does their 
conduct prove ? What were the causes of the greater suffering in the South 
than in the North ? What do you consider the two most important battles 
fought east of the Alleghanies ? West of the Alleghanies ? Who, in your 
opinion, were the two ablest Southern generals ? The two ablest Northern 
generals ? Enumerate the evils wrought by the war. The benefits that 
resulted from it. 



Topical Analysis (War Between the States). 

525. The New President. 

^ ^ . . r Condition of the country. 

526. Beginning of the Administration. <^ ^, .. 

1 he president s position. 

527. Federal Property in the Claim of the states. 

South. Ambassadors sent to Washington. 

„ „ ^ „ ^ ( Action of U. S. government. 

528. Fort Sumter. ] ^ ^ r ,1, / , 

Capture of the fort. 

r In the North. 

529. 530. Effect of the Fall of Sumter. \ In the South. 

1^ In the border states. 

531. Confidence North and South : Elements of strength. 

^ East of the Alleghanies. 

« J- -rv J- ! West of the Alleghanies. 

532. The South's Line of Defense. < ^ , . . . 

•^-^ j On the Mississippi. 

1^ The coast line. 

533. Northern Plan of Operations : Plans against the South's defenses. 

, , . . f Minor engagements. 

534. In West Virginia. H • 

Union success. 

" On to Richmond." 
The opposing forces. 
Victory at Bull Run. 
Effect of the battle. 
Defeat of Gov. Jackson's plans. 

537. In Missouri. ^ Battle of Wilson's Creek. 
[ Federals in control. 

„ ^ „ ^ X r Privateers. 

538. On the Coast, i ^, , , 

•'^ Blockade runners. 

539. The Trent Affair. 



535' 536- The First Battle. 



4 



CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. 



395 



543- 
544- 
545- 



551-553- 



The Peninsular 
Campaign. 



57i> 



541, 542. Kentucky and Ten- f Mill Spring. 

nessee seized. \ Forts Henry and Donelson. 
Battle of Shiloh. 

The Upper Mississippi: Fall of Confederate strongholds. 
West of the Mississippi : Battle of Pea Ridge. 

546. Bragg's Invasion of Tennessee and Kentucky. 

547. In Northern Mississippi : luka and Corinth. 

548. Bragg's Second Movement : Murfreesboro. 

f The defenses of New Orleans. 

549. The Lower Mississippi. ^ The Union attack. 

I The fall of the city, 
f 550. On the Sea : Monitor and Merrimac. 

r McClellan against Richmond. 
■< Jackson's Valley campaign. 
1^ The seven days' battles. 

554. Pope against Richmond : Second Bull Run. 

555. Lee's Invasion of the North : Antietam. 

556. Burnside against Richmond : Fredericksburg. 

557. Emancipation Proclamation. 

559. Hooker against Richmond : Chancellorsville. 

560, 561. Lee's Second Invasion of the North : Gettysburg. 
'562. Fall of Vicksburg. 

563. Movements in Texas. 

Chickamauga. 
Siege of Chattanooga. 
Lookout Mt. and Mis- 
sionary Ridge. 

567. The Conscription Act : Draft Riot in New York. 

568. West Virginia Admitted to the Union. 
His promotion. 
His plan. 

Grant's Plans against Richmond. 

f The Wilderness. 



564-566. Around Chattanooga. 



I' 

572. Lieutenant-General Grant 

' 573 



574- 

575- 

576. 

577- 
578. 



^ ] Spottsylvania Court House. 

Lee versus Grant. ^ /t 

I Cold Harbor. 

1^ Results. 

Butler's Movements : On James River. 

f Sigel's defeat. 
The Shenandoah Valley. ^ Butler's defeat. 
Grant's Change of Base. [ Early's campaign. 
The Petersburg Mine. 



396 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



583- 

584. 
585. 

587, 
589. 
590- 
591- 
592. 
593- 



570. Minor Movements 



■{ 



Sherman and Forrest. 
Banks's Red River Expedition. 
579, 580. Campaign against f Sherman and Johnston. 

Atlanta. \ Sherman and Hood. 

58 1 . Hood in Tennessee : Franklin, Nashville. 

582. Sherman's March to the Sea. 

r Port of Mobile closed. 
On Coast and Sea. 1 Alabama and Kearsarge. 
[ The Florida. 

Negro Troops. 

Presidential Campaign of 1864. 



Sherman in the Carolinas. 



r March of devastation. 



1^ Opposed by Johnston. 
Sheridan's Raid. 

Evacuation of Richmond and Surrender of Lee. 
Assassination of Lincoln. 
Surrender of Johnston : Close of War. 
Numbers engaged in the War. 
In Men. 



594' 595- Losses. 



In Money. 



596, 597. What the War Settled. 
598. The Armies Disbanded. 



J Slavery. 

\ Right of Secession. 



1 



THE STATES REUNITED. 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 

(Johnson, Grant.) 
Johnson's Administration. 

One Term: 1865-1869. 

601. Services and Character of the New President: 

Andrew Johnson was born in North Carolina in 1808, and 
removed in 1826 to Tennessee. He was a tailor by trade, but 
was drawn early in life to take a 
deep interest in politics. He is 
said to have been taught reading 
and writing by his wife after 
marriage. He served his adopted 
state for many years in various 
positions. He was congressman 
for ten years, 1843-1853, governor 
for four years, 1853-1857, and he 
was twice chosen U. S. senator. 
His death in 187 c; interrupted his 

' ^ ^ Andrew Johnson. 

second term as senator. Johnson 

was a devoted friend to the Union, and at the same time a firm 
believer in states' rights. He was bold to the point of rash- 
ness, stubborn in the maintenance of what he believed to be 
right, and so aggressive as to provoke rather than to concil- 
iate opposition. 

602. Lincoln's Plan of Reconstruction. — Long before 
the war closed Lincoln had devised a plan for restoring the 
seceded states to their places in the Union. In his message 




398 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



to Congress in 1863 he outlined the following policy : all who 
would take an oath to support the Constitution were to be 
allowed to vote ; if they numbered ten per cent of the voting 
population of i860, they could reorganize a state government. 
If he had lived there is little doubt that he would have been 
strong enough to carry out his plan, and that the Southern 
states would have been speedily restored to the Union. 

603. Johnson's Political Position. — In electing Johnson 
vice-president the Republicans made a mistake similar to that 
made by the Whigs in 1840 (§455). Before the war he 
had been a Democrat, but he refused to give up his seat in 
Congress when his state, Tennessee, seceded, because he be- 
lieved secession to be the work of the aristocratic element, 
which he thoroughly hated. He was placed upon the ticket 
with Lincoln in recognition of the Southerners who had 
been loyal to the Union, and not because he was a Republi- 
can. Johnson had been very vindictive in his utterances 
against the Southern leaders, and claimed that the majority of 
the people had been misled by them. He desired that the 
conquered states might be at once restored to the Union. He 
proclaimed amnesty to all except a few classes to whom par- 
don was to be granted only upon personal application. He 
wished, as Lincoln had done, to restore peace as soon as pos- 
sible. He declared that reconstruction was the work of the 
president, not Congress. His plan was to turn the states over 
at once to the people, trusting them to manage their own 
affairs. In conformity with his proclamation, all the seceded 
states formed new state governments and elected representa- 
tives to Congress, — but when Congress met in 1865 it 
ignored the president's plan, and refused to recognize the 
Southern representatives. The " Radicals " had a large ma- 
jority in Congress, and easily passed measures over the presi- 1 
dent's veto, thus rendering him powerless. I 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 



399 



604. Congresses Plan of Reconstruction. — A resolution 
was passed in Congress that "the seceded states have, by 
their own actions, temporarily lost their right of self-govern- 
ment, and it is the duty of Congress to restore it to them under 
such conditions as will secure to each state a republican form 
of government, as provided for in the Constitution." The 
conditions were embodied in the 14th amendment to the Con- 
stitution, which gave citizenship to the negroes and disfran- 
chised most of the prominent whites of the South. Tennessee 
was the only Southern state that ratified the amendment at 
this time, and it was restored to the Union in July, 1866. The 
other states defied Congress by rejecting the amendment. By 
act of Congress then the ten states were divided into five mili- 
tary districts, under the control of Federal officers. This bill, 
and others like it, were passed over the president's veto. 

605. Distrust of the President. — The Thirty-ninth Con- 
gress adjourned March 4. Under the law the next Congress 
would not meet until the first Monday in December. Johnson 
was so distrusted by the Radicals that they feared to leave him 
without a Congress for so long a time, and so, before their 
adjournment, they changed the time of meeting of the Fortieth 
Congress to March 4, thus allowing no interim between the 
sessions of the old Congress and the new one. This session, 
however, lasted but one month and adjourned.^ 

606. Readmission of the States. — The Southern states, 
at last, seeing that Johnson was powerless to help them, and 
finding their position under military rule hard to bear, complied 
with the demands of Congress and ratified the 14th amend- 
ment, which was declared adopted in 1868. By June, 1868, 
all the states had acquiesced in the demands of Congress 
except Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas. Before the 

1 It held a short session in July (3d to 20th) and then adjourned to November. 



400 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



close of 1870 those states had also regained their places in the 
Union. 

607. The Result of Reconstruction Policy. — The " recon- 
structed" state governments were altogether unsatisfactory to 
the white people of the South. The "iron-clad" oath, which 
required every candidate for office to swear that he had not 
taken any part in secession, excluded nearly all who were fit 
to hold offices. A swarm of greedy and mostly unprincipled 
men from the North — the "carpet-baggers"^ — poured into 
the South, and, by misleading the ignorant and credulous 
negro voters, got control of the state and local governments. 
Extravagance and corruption in public affairs became the order 
of the day. This was the darkest time in the history of the 
South. The " carpet-bag " governors were able to keep their 
places only with the help of Federal troops, and this was not 
wholly withdrawn until 1877. 

608. Impeachment. — To make the president as helpless as 
possible Congress passed the "Tenure of Office" bill, provid- 
ing that the president could not remove any of the leading offi- 
cials, his appointees, without the consent of Congress. 

President Johnson considered the bill unconstitutional, and 
refused to submit. Overruling the action of the Senate he 
removed Stanton from his position of secretary of war.^ In con- 
sequence of this, and other similar acts of opposition to Con- 

1 Called " carpet-baggers," because at first, moneyless and with no permanent 
home, all their effects were carried in a valise, or " carpet-bag." 

2 " For the first time in the history of the United States an officer distasteful to 
the president, and personally distrusted and disliked by him, was forced upon him as 
one of his confidential advisers in the administration of the government. . . . The his- 
tory of every preceding adrninistration, and of every subsequent administration of 
the Federal government, proves that the Senate was in the wrong." (Blaine's 
" Twenty Years in Congress.") 

When Grant became president this bill was practically set aside at his request ; 
and in 1885 it was entirely repealed. 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 



401 



gress, the House of Representatives preferred charges of 
impeachment against the president. He was tried before the 
Senate, Chief Justice Chase presiding, and after a trial of six 
weeks he was adjudged not guilty. Conviction requires a 
two-thirds vote of the senators ; thirty-five of the fifty-four 
senators voted him guilty, and he thus came within one vote 
of being removed from his office as president of the United 
States. 

609. Maximilian in Mexico. — Louis Napoleon, the French 
Emperor, had taken advantage of the war in the United States 
to subjugate Mexico. At the close of the war the United 
States government demanded the withdrawal of the French 
troops (§ 420). Napoleon yielded, leaving to his fate Max- 
imilian, Arch-Duke of Austria, whom he had made Emperor 
of Mexico, Maximilian rashly remained in that country, and 
was captured and shot by the Mexicans. 

610. The Atlantic Cable. — Several attempts had been 
made to connect the New and Old World by telegraph. 




Great Eastern. 



These efforts finally proved successful in 1866. Cyrus W. 
Field was the active leader in the great enterprise of laying the 
submarine telegraph-wire between the coasts of Newfoundland 



402 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



and Ireland. The steamship Great Eastern — at that time the 
largest vessel ever constructed — was used for this purpose. 

6ii. Purchase of Alaska. — This territory had been dis- 
covered in 1 741 by Vitus Behring, a Russian explorer. Its 
name was changed from Russian America to Alaska at the time 
of its purchase by the United States. 




Sitka, Alaska. 



In 1867 the United States purchased Alaska from the Rus- 
sian government for $7,200,000. Alaska consists of about 
500,000 square miles. Part of it, the Aleutian Islands, extends 
so far west into the Pacific Ocean as to make the meridian of 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 



longitude passing through San Francisco nearly midway be- 
tween the extreme eastern and extreme western parts of the 
United States. Alaska has proved valuable on account of the 
seal fisheries. 

612. Election of 1868. — General U. S. Grant, of Illinois, 
to whom the chief credit for the final success of the Union 
arms was due, had won thereby great prestige, and had become 
very popular with the masses of the people of the United 
States. He was nominated for the presidency by the Republi- 
cans in 1868. Schuyler Colfax was the Republican nominee 
for vice-president. The platform endorsed the reconstruction 
acts of Congress. 

The Democrats nominated Horatio Seymour, of New York, 
and Francis P. Blair, of Missouri, as their candidates for 
president and vice-president. Their platform favored the 
" immediate restoration of all the states to their rights in the 
Union under the Constitution." They declared the recon- 
struction acts " usurpation, unconstitutional, revolutionary, and 
void." 

Of the 294 electoral votes Grant received 214, Seymour, 80. 
Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia were not allowed to vote be- 
cause they had not been readmitted. 

613. Summary. — A conflict soon arose between President Johnson 
and Congress as to the method of readmitting the seceded states. A 
bill was passed over the president's veto dividing the South into five 
military districts under the control of Federal officers. It was 1870 
before all the Southern states were restored to their places in the 
Union. During this reconstruction period and for some years later, 
the South was a victim of the rascality and corruption of " carpet-bag " 
governments. The quarrel between the president and Congress reached 
its climax in the impeachment of the president, which resulted in his 
acquittal by one vote. The Fourteenth Amendment, conferring the right 
of citizenship upon the negroes, was declared adopted. France complied 
with the demand of the United States for the withdrawal of French troops 
from Mexico. The Atlantic cable was successfully laid. Alaska was 



404 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



purchased from Russia for ^7,200,000. Gen. Grant, the Republican candi- 
date, was elected next president. 

614. Thought Questions. — If Lincoln had lived to the close of his 
second administration, in what respects would the history of the seceded 
states have been different ? In what respects were the ex-slaves of the 
South unfit to vote? When only can universal suffrage result in good 
government.? What presidents besides Johnson had bitter opposition in 
Congress? Were any of these impeached? In what way did the United 
States enforce the Monroe Doctrine during this administration ? In what 
presidential elections did Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas take no part? 
Why? 

Grant's Administration. 
Two Terms: 1869-1877. 

615. Character and Services of the New President. — 

Ulysses S. Grant was born in 1822 at Point Pleasant, in Ohio. 
Graduated from West Point in the class of 1843, he fought 
with credit in the Mexican War. In 1854 he resigned his 
place in the army and engaged in the leather trade. He re- 
entered the army in 1861, and was made a colonel. He was 
rapidly advanced in rank and responsibility until he was placed 
in command of all the Union armies. After serving two terms 
as president he made a tour of the world. His last years were 
clouded by business reverses. He died on July 23, 1885. 

Grant was a very successful general. To him, more than to 
any other commander, was due the final success of the Union 
forces. He was a simple-hearted soldier, loyal to his friends, 
but unversed in civil life. 

616. Treaty of Washington. — In 187 1 commissioners from 
England and the United States met at Washington to settle 
" all causes of difference between England and the United 
States." The treaty agreed upon provided for the settlement 
of the disputes between the two nations by arbitration, a mode 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 4O5 

of adjusting international contentions which marks a forward 
step in civilization. The disputed questions settled were as 
follows : 

617. (i) Alabama Claims. — During the war the Confederate 
authorities had contracted for several ships to be built in 
England, the chief of which was the Alabama (§ 583). The 
United States claimed that the damage done by these vessels 
should be paid for by the English government. These claims 
were called the " Alabama claims," and were referred for set- 
tlement to five commissioners, one each from England, United 
States, Italy, Brazil, and Switzerland. They met at Geneva, 
Switzerland, and awarded $15,500,000 to the United States, 
which amount was to be paid into the treasury of the United 
States and distributed to the owners of the property destroyed 
by the vessels built in England. 

618. (2) The Northwest Boundary. — The dispute concern- 
ing the northwestern boundary between Washington and Van- 
couver's Island was left to the decision of the Emperor of 
Germany. He declared in favor of the boundary-line claimed 
by the United States. 

619. (3) Fisheries. — The dispute over the right of citizens 
of the United States to fish in the waters along Newfoundland 
was settled by commissioners, who decided that they should 
have the privilege of fishing in these waters for twelve years 
upon the payment of $5,500,000 to Great Britain. 

620. The Fifteenth Amendment was ratified by the neces- 
sary three-fourths of the states in 1870. This amendment 
provided that no law should be passed to prevent citizens 
from voting on account of ''race, color, or previous condi- 
tion of servitude." 



4o6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



621. The Pacific Railroad. — The great raihoad connecting 
Omaha, Nebraska, with San Francisco, Cahfornia (a distance 
of 1900 miles), and uniting the East with the West, was com- 
pleted in 1869. Three other transcontinental lines of railroad 




Marshall Pass, showing route of Pacific Railroad through the mountains. 

have been built since then, so that one may now travel across 
the United States in as short a time as the trip from New York 
to Boston required a century ago. 

622. Great Fires. — Several great fires occurred during this 
administration, of which the chief was the Chicago fire of 
October 8-9, 187 1. Five square miles were ravaged by the 
flames, twenty thousand houses were burned, property to the 
amount of two hundred million dollars was consumed, and 
over two hundred and fifty persons perished. 

About a year later Boston was partly destroyed by a great 
fire, — -the loss amounting to $80,000,000. The sufferings of 
the people in these cities were greatly alleviated by generous 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 



407 



contributions from all parts of the United States and foreign 
nations. The burnt districts in both cities were soon covered 
by larger and better buildings than before. 

623. Political Affairs. — Grant's administration was marked 
by great political excitement. The South was struggling to 
free itself from Radical misrule, — Republican administrations 
created by the carpet-baggers," and supported mainly by 
negro votes. A state of affairs bordering on war existed there 
until, by the elections of 1876, the Southern whites regained 
full control of the states. 

During the time of the Reconstruction regime a secret 
society called the Kit Klux Klan was organized in the South to 
check and resist Radical rule and to hold the negroes in subjec- 
tion. This organization often resorted to violence, and crimes 
were committed in its name, but it was the chief means of 
preventing the lately enfranchised negroes and the adventurers 
who misled them from so dominating the Southern states as to 
destroy the very foundations of society. 

624. Grangers. — In 1868 the secret society of Grangers 
was organized mainly by farmers in the northwestern states 
and spread rapidly through the South and West. Its object 
was to unite the farmers on matters of common interest, as 
well as to benefit them in other ways. 

625. Reelection of Grant. — One wing of the Republican 
party, composed of those who were dissatisfied with the Con- 
gressional policy of reconstruction, became known as the 
" Liberal Republicans." They hoped that by selecting a plat- 
form and a candidate acceptable to the Democrats, they might 
defeat the Radical Republican party. They nominated Horace 
Greeley,^ the editor of the New York Tribune^ for the presi- 

1 Greeley had been a life-long enemy of the Democratic party and was not sup- 
ported very enthusiastically by the Democrats. He died of disappointment before 
the meeting of the Electoral College and the opposition vote was scattered among 
several candidates. 



4o8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



dency. The Democratic convention endorsed the Liberal 
Republican platform and candidate. 

The regular Republican party renominated Grant for the 
presidency with Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, for vice- 
president. The electoral vote stood 286 for Grant and Wilson 
to 63 for the opposition.-^ 

626. Corruption in Office. — During Grant's two terms many 
political scandals were unearthed. These were due doubtless 
in a large measure to laxity in administration, consequent upon 
the war, and also to the credulity of the president, who was a 
famous soldier, but not well adapted to great civil responsibili- 
ties. 

The Credit Mohilier was a company organized to build the 
Pacific Railroad. It was discovered in 1873 that measures 
promoting its interest had been passed through Congress by 
means of bribery. 

Back Salary Grab. — In 1872 a bill was passed by Congress 
advancing the salaries of many of the officers of the government. 
The president's salary was raised from $25,000 to $50,000 per 
annum. The salary of a congressman was raised from $5000 
to $7500 per annum. The act made the advance in salaries 
date from the beginning of the current term. The law was 
nicknamed the "back-salary grab," and provoked such opposi- 
tion throughout the country that it was speedily repealed, 
except as to the salaries of the president and the judges of the 
Supreme Court. 

Whiskey Ring. — In 1875, it was discovered that a ^'whiskey 
ring," composed of prominent officials, had colluded with 
distillers in the West in defrauding the government of the 
revenue on whiskey. Several persons of wealth, social influ- 
ence, and high standing were tried, convicted, and punished 
for this violation of the laws of the land. 

1 Seventeen of the votes against Grant were not counted by Congress. The total 
number of votes against him was 80. 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 



409 



Impeachment of Belknap. — In 1876, Secretary of War 
Belknap was impeached for receiving bribes for appointment 
of officers. He escaped conviction by resigning his office. 

627. Indian Troubles. — Two insurrections occurred among 
the Indians during Grant's administration. The first was 
among the Modocs in Oregon. They were subdued after a 
year's fighting. 

The Sioux Bidians in Montana, under their chief, Sitting 
Bull, defied the Federal authorities. In June, 1876, General 
Custer, with a small band of 250 men, attacked a large force of 
these Indians, and he and all his men were killed after a brave 
resistance. The Sioux then retreated into British America. 

628. Financial Matters. Panic of 187 j. — A financial 
panic occurred in 1873, and its effects continued to be felt for 
several years. It was caused by the lavish expenditures of 
the war, a series of poor crops, an unstable currency, and the 
too rapid building of railroads. From 1868 to 1872 the rail- 
road mileage of the United States increased 50 per cent. 
The panic started from the failure of a banking house in 
Philadelphia, which was largely concerned in the Northern 
Pacific Railroad. 

Demo7ietizatio7i of Silver. — Early in 1873 a coinage act was 
passed in which the silver dollar, which had always been legal 
tender, was dropped from the list of coins to be minted. The 
silver dollar was worth more at this time than the gold dollar, 
I and had passed out of circulation. The silver dollar was to 
1 be no longer a legal tender in the payment of debts and hence 
\ was said to be demonetized. About a year later a bill provid- 
ing for the further issue of paper money passed both Houses 
j of Congress, but the president vetoed it. 

Resumptiofi of Specie Fay jnents. — The "greenbacks"^ which 
Congress had issued during the war were worth much 

1 Paper money, the back of each bill being printed in green ink. 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



less than their face value, because Congress was unable to 
redeem them in specie. In 1875 an act was passed declaring 
that on January i, 1879, specie payments would be resumed. 
Greenbacks at once rose to par, and have since remained on 
the same level as gold and silver. 

629. The Centennial in 1876. — In spite of the financial 
stringency, the looth anniversary of the Declaration of Inde- 




Centennial Exhibition Buildings, Philadelphia, 1876. 



pendence was celebrated with great success at Philadelphia by 
an International Exposition. It was followed by a series of 
centennial anniversaries at several historic spots, commemorat- 
ing important events of the Revolutionary War. 

630. The Centennial State. — Colorado was admitted into 
the Union in 1876, and hence it is called the " Centennial State." 

631. The Election of 1876. — The Republicans nominated 
for president Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, and W. A. 
Wheeler, of New York. A strong element of the Republi- 
can party endeavored to renominate Grant for a third terra, 
but the opposition was too decided. 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 



411 



The Democrats nominated Samuel J. Tilden, of New York, 
for the presidency, and Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, for 
the vice-presidency. 

The campaign was very exciting. The congressional elec- 
tions in 1874 had shown a reaction toward the Democratic 
party. At first the election of Tilden was conceded by the 
Republican press, but soon afterward the result of the elec- 
tions in the states of South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida 
was found to be uncertain. In South Carolina and Florida 
many Democratic votes were thrown out, on the ground that 
Republican voters had been intimidated and so prevented from 
voting. The " Returning Boards" ^ in these two states declared 
the Republican electors chosen. The Democratic electors 
charged fraud, and claimed that they had been elected ; so 
both sets of electors met and sent in their votes to Congress. 
In Louisiana, the Returning Board, refusing to comply with 
the law in many points, declared the Republican electors 
chosen, and the governor, who was held in his place by Fed- 
eral troops, gave them certificates. McEnery, the Democratic 
candidate for governor, claimed the election, and gave certifi- 
cates to the Democratic electors. Oregon also sent in two 
sets of returns. One of the Republican electors was declared 
disqualified by the governor, who appointed instead a Demo- 
crat to serve as elector. 

Not counting the votes of the states of South Carolina, 
Florida, Louisiana, and Oregon, Tilden received 184 votes, 
Hayes, 163. A joint rule adopted by Congress in 1865 pro- 
vided that disputed electoral votes could only be counted by 
the consent of both Houses. If this rule had been followed, 
Tilden would have been declared elected, inasmuch as he had 

1 " Returning Boards " were created by law during the Reconstruction troubles, 
and invested with extraordinary powers over the counting of votes in disputed elec- 
tions. They could throw out votes and manipulate the figures as they chose, and no 
appeal could be taken from their decision. 



412 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



a majority of the electoral votes about which no question 
could be made. The Democratic House wished now to follow 
this rule. The Republican Senate refused to abide by it. 

632. The Electoral Commission. — To settle the dispute, 
which was not provided for in the Constitution, the Electoral 
Commission was created. It consisted of five senators (two 
Democrats and three Republicans), five representatives (three 
Democrats and two Republicans), and five supreme judges. 
The act creating the commission provided that two of the 
judges should be Republicans, and two Democrats, the four 
judges to choose the fifth themselves.^ A Republican was 
chosen, thus constituting the commission eight Republicans 
and seven Democrats. The commission, by a vote of 8 to 7, 
decided in favor of the Republican electors for South Carolina, 
Florida, and Louisiana, counted the Republican instead of the 
Democratic elector from Oregon, and thus gave the presidency 
to the Republican candidate. Hayes and Wheeler thus re- 
ceived an electoral vote of 185, while Tilden and Hendricks 
received 184. 

633. Summary. — A treaty with England in 187 1 provided for the 
peaceful settlement of the Alabama claims, the Northwest boundary, and 
the Fishery dispute. The Fifteenth Amendment, giving negroes the right 
to vote, was declared adopted. The first Pacific Railroad was completed. 
Fires at Chicago and Boston caused great loss of property. Grant was 
reelected over Horace Greeley, the candidate of the Liberal Republicans 
and Democrats. The administration was characterized by much corruption 
in office. Silver was demonetized and specie payments were resumed. 
The Centennial Exposition was held at Philadelphia. Colorado was ad- 
mitted. The Electoral Commission settled the disputed presidential elec- 
tion by declaring Hayes, the Republican candidate, elected over Tilden, 
his Democratic opponent. 

^ Doubtless Judge David Davis, an Independent Democrat, would have been 
selected had he not resigned his ofl&ce just at this time to accept a senatorship from 
Illinois. The choice then fell on Judge Bradley, a Republican. 



RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD. 



634. Thought Questions. — Name the presidents who owed their 
election to military renown. If the principle of " arbitration " in the 
settlement of national disputes had been recognized from the beginning of 
our history, what war could most readily have been averted ? Were any 
of our wars inevitable ? Recall the peculiar circumstances of the presi- 
dential election of 1800: of 1824. In what ways did the contest of 1876 
differ from the others ? 



Topical Analysis (Reconstruction Period). 



601. The New President. 

f Lincoln's plan. 

602-604. Reconstruction Plans. -{ Johnson's plan. 

[ Plan of Congress. 

605. Distrust of the President : By Congress. 

f The Fourteenth Amendment. 

606. Readmission of the States. -r.. , , ■ • 

I<inal readmission. 

^ , r The " iron-clad " oath. 

607. Result of Reconstruction Policy.-^ „ 

" Carpet-bag governments. 

f Tenure of Office Bill. 

608. Impeachment of the President. ■{ Johnson's opposition. 

1^ Impeachment and trial. 

609. Maximilian in Mexico. 

J The leader of the enterprise. 
\ Laying of the cable, 
f Discovery and name. 

611. Purchase of Alaska. ■{ Purchase by United States. 

[ Extent of territory. 

. , , . r Candidates and platform. 

612. Presidential Election. ^ ^ ^^ c i 

Result of the election. 

' 61 5. The New President. 

f Alabama claims. 
616-19. Treaty of Washington. -{ Northwest boundary. 

Fishery dispute. 

^ 620. The Fifteenth Amendment. 

, r The first road. 
621. The Pacific Railroad. ^ , ^ a 

y Subsequent roads. 

At Chicago. 



610. The Atlantic Cable. 



622. Great Fires. 



At Boston. 



414 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



623. Political Affairs. ^ 

624. The Grangers. 



Misrule of " Carpet-baggers." 
The Ku Klux Klan. 



625. Reelection of Grant. 



626. Corruption in Office. <i 



Split in Republican party. 
Result of the election, 
f The Credit Mobilier. 
■ The back salary grab. 



The whiskey ring. 
Impeachment of Belknap. 



^ , „ r The Modocs in Oregon. 

627. Indian Troubles, i r^. r,. • ^ 

1 he bioux m Montana. 

f Panic of 1873. 

628. Financial Matters. <( Demonetization of silver. 

1^ Resumption of specie payments. 

629. The Centennial at Philadelphia. 

630. Colorado Admitted. 

C The candidates. 

/- -n. -3 X- 1 J.- Contested result. 

631-32. Presidential Election.-^ ^ ^ . ^ u r?^ ^ in 

' Settlement by Electoral Com- 



RECENT EVENTS. 



RECENT EVENTS. 

(Hayes to Cleveland.) 

Hayes's Administration. 
One Term : 1877-1881. 

635. Character and Services of the New President. — 

Rutherford B. Hayes was born 
in Ohio in the same year as 
President Grant, 1822. He 
was a lawyer by profession, 
but rose to the rank of briga- 
dier-general in the War be- 
tween the States. He served 
one term in Congress, and 
three terms as governor of 
Ohio. After one term as 
president he lived quietly at 
his home in Ohio, where he 
died in 1893. President Hayes 
was a man of great purity and 
dignity of character. His in- 
fluence was wisely used to Rutherford B. Hayes. 

mitigate sectional feeUng, and to promote justice and sound 
ideas in the administration of the government. 

636. Character of the Period. — This period was charac- 
terized by steady growth. The country was recovering from 
the results of the war and gathering new strength. The 
administration was an unusually quiet one. There is little of 
importance to be recorded in its history. 




4i6 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



637. The Southern States. — The Southern Democrats 
regained control of all the Southern States. Soon after 
Hayes became president he withdrew the Federal troops. 
Without their presence the Republican governors of South 
Carolina and Louisiana could not support their claims. The 
Supreme Court of Florida, though Republican in its personnel, 
refused to sustain the claim of the Republican candidate for 
governor. The other Southern states had already become 
Democratic. 

638. Labor Troubles. — The early part of the administra- 
tion was marked by serious labor disturbances. Thousands of 
persons were unable to secure employment and the country was 
filled with tramps. In 1877 serious riots occurred among rail- 
road employees. Concerted action was taken by them all over 
the country. The most serious troubles were at Pittsburg, 
Chicago, and St. Louis. These riots cost about one hundred 
lives and more than three million dollars' worth of property. 

639. Financial Legislation. — In 1878 silver, which had 
been demonetized in 1873, was restored to its place in the 
currency of the country.^ The Resumption Act (§ 628) went 
into effect during this administration. It restored confidence 
in the financial soundness of the government. In consequence 
of this restoration of confidence in the ability of the govern- 
ment to meet its obligations, the secretary of the treasury bor- 
rowed money at a much lower rate of interest than the bonds 
already issued bore. The new bonds were sold bearing a 
lower rate of interest, and with the money thus secured bonds 
bearing a higher rate of interest were paid as they matured. 
This was called refunding the natio?ial debt. 

1 The bill was called the Bland Bill, from the name of the congressman who intro- 
duced it. 



RECENT EVENTS. 



640. Inventions. — The telephone and the electric light were 
perfected during this period. The telephone was perfected by 
Bell and Graham in 1877. The electric light was introduced 
in 1878. Edison in 1877 gave to the world the phonograph. 

641. Yellow Fever. — In 1878-79 yellow fever prevailed in 
many places in the Southern states, especially in the Mississippi 
valley. Of the twenty thousand persons who had this fever, 
about one-third died from its effects. Since that time medical 
science has shown that yellow fever can be excluded from this 
country by disinfection and quarantine. 

642. The Presidential Election of 1880. — Strenuous ef- 
forts were again made in the Republican party to nominate 
ex-President Grant for a third term. After a long wrangle the 
Republican convention nominated James A. Garfield of Ohio 
for president, and Chester A. Arthur of New York for vice- 
president. 

The Democrats nominated General W. S. Hancock of Penn- 
sylvania for president, and William H. English of Indiana for 
vice-president. 

The Greenback party nominated James B. Weaver for presi- 
dent, but he received no electoral vote. 

Hancock received the electoral vote of the " Solid South," ^ 
Nevada, and California,^ a total of 155, Garfield and Arthur 
received the remainder of the electoral votes, 214, and were 
accordingly elected. 

643. Summary. — President Hayes withdrew the United States troops 
that had been upholding the carpet-bag governments in the South, and 
the state administrations in this section at once passed into the hands of 
the Democratic party. A bill remonetizing silver was passed. The process 
of refunding the national debt began. The telephone, electric light, and 

1 All of the states that had belonged to the Southern Confederacy voted the 
Democratic ticket, and hence were called the " Solid South." 

2 One of the votes of California was cast for Garfield. 



4i8 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



phonograph were introduced. A severe yellow-fever epidemic raged in the 
South. In the presidential election, Garfield, the Republican candidate, 
was elected. 

644. Thought Questions. — Define the following terms : legal tender ; 
demonetization of silver; resumption of specie payments; refunding the 
debt. 

Administration of Garfield and Arthur. ^ 

One Term : 1881-1885. 

645. Character and Services of Garfield. — James A. Gar- 
field, like his two predecessors, was a native of Ohio, where he 

was born in 1831. Reared 
in poverty he worked his 
way through college, and 
was graduated from Wil- 
liams. He studied law and 
taught school in his native 
state. He served for a while 
in the army during the war, 
winning the rank of major- 
general. Elected to Con- 
gress, he left the army and 
thereafter devoted himself 
to political life. He was 
sent to the House of Repre- 
sentatives four times in suc- 
cession, and had just been elected to the Senate when he 
received the nomination to the presidency. 

President Garfield was admirably equipped for the duties of 
the presidency, A man of culture, and the highest personal 
character, his knowledge of civil affairs gave promise of a 
wholesome administration. 

646. Appointments to Office. — Soon after his accession to 
the presidency Garfield became involved in a wrangle with the 




RECENT EVENTS. 



419 



Senate over appointments to office. The senators from New 
York opposed the confirmation of the president's appointee to 
the collectorship of the port of New York. Being unable to 
defeat the confirmation of the appointee through what is known 
as the "courtesy of the Senate"^ they resigned their seats in* 
Congress. This increased the bitterness between the two fac- 
tions of the Republican party, and indirectly led to the tragic 
death of the president. 

647. Assassination of Garfield. — Charles J. Guiteau was 
a weak-minded, disappointed office-seeker. In order, as he 
said, "to make Arthur president, and unite the Republican 
party," he planned the death of the president. On July 2, 
1 88 1, at a railway station in Washington, he accomplished his 
purpose by shooting President Garfield in the side. For twelve 
weeks the sufferer lingered between life and death, and on 
September 19 died at Elbe- 
ron, N. J. The entire people 
mourned his death. 

648. The Accession of 
Arthur. — By the death of 
Garfield, Vice-President 
Arthur became chief magis- 
trate of the United States 
and served the remainder 
of the term. 

649. Life and Services 
of President Arthur. — 

Chester Allan Arthur was 
born in Vermont in 1830. 
Garfield, taught school and studied law. He held the col- 

1 The " courtesy of the Senate " requires all the senators of one political party to 
vote on questions of official appointments in accordance with the wishes of the senators 
(of their party) from the state in which the office to be filled is situated. . 




420 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



lectorship of the port of New York under Grant's administra- 
tion and was put on the ticket as vice-president to please the 
" Stalwarts," as those favoring the nomination of Grant for 
the third term were called. He made a good president. He 
died in New York in November, 1886. 

650. Star Route Frauds. — In 1881 it was discovered that 
the government was being defrauded of several million dollars 
per year by the contractors of the " star routes " ^ in the West. 
Although several prominent officials were tried, and for lack of 
sufficient evidence were acquitted, the investigations stopped 
the abuse. 

651. Polar Expeditions. — The New York Herald sent out 
an expedition in the shi^ /ea7tnette, under Captain De Long, to ex- 
plore the Arctic seas north of Behring's Strait. The ship was 
caught by icebergs, and after drifting several months was 
crushed. Some of the party, after terrible sufferings, reached 
the coast of Siberia. 

An expedition under Lieutenant Greely located on Lady 
Franklin Bay, west of Greenland, and not receiving aid when 
expected, resulted in disaster. When the party was rescued in 
June, 1883, only seven of the twenty-four had survived the cold 
and privation of the Arctic winter. 

652. Important Legislation. Law against Polygamy. — In 
1882 Congress passed a severe anti-polygamy law. The 
religion of the Mormons allows polygamy. Utah, where the 
Mormons live, had not been admitted to the Union because 
if it should become a state it could pass its own laws on this 
subject. 

Civil Service Reform. — In 1883 Congress passed a bill to 
provide for the filling of many offices through competitive 

1 In the United States when mail is carried in any other way than by rail the 
route is called a " star route." 



RECENT EVENTS. 



421 



examinations on the basis of merit, without regard to the 
political affiliations of the applicants for positions. This 
reform makes tenure of office more certain, and secures better 
service for the government. It was opposed by politicians in 
both parties, who believed that "to the victor belong the spoils." 

The Tariff of 1883. — An attempt was made in 1882 to 
reduce the tariff, but it failed. It became manifest that the 




East River Ferry (between Brooklyn and New trcaSUrV had an iuCrcaS- 

York) in 1746. 

mg surplus of money. 
Accordingly, in 1883 a bill was passed slightly lowering the 
import charges, chiefly on articles not produced in this country. 

Letter postage in 1883 was reduced from three cents to two 
cents per one-half ounce. Postal notes were introduced the 
same year. 

1 In 1885 letter postage was further reduced to two cents per ounce or fraction, 
thereof. 



422 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



653. The Brooklyn Bridge. — Work on the bridge connect- 
ing New York and Brooklyn had been begun in 1870. It was 
completed in May, 1883. This famous bridge is 5,989 feet 
long, and its cost was $16,000,000. 

654. Standard Time. — During the same year the railroads 
adopted what is known as standard time. Local time for the 
meridians of 75°, 90°, 105°, and 120° was adopted as standard 
time for the Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific divisions, 
respectively. All places within any one division use the same 
time. When it is twelve o'clock in the Eastern division it is 
one, two, and three hours earlier, respectively, in the Central, 
Mountain, and Pacific divisions. 

655* Disasters. — The summer of 1881 was marked by a 
very protracted drouth. Crops all over the country were great- 
ly damaged. Many forest fires occurred. Of these the most 
destructive were in Michigan. In this state as many as five 
thousand persons were rendered homeless, and several hun- 
dred lost their lives. 

The next year was notable for the great floods. The Ohio 
and Mississippi rivers rose higher than ever before, producing 
great overflows and causing immense damage to property, as 
well as the loss of many lives. The Mississippi River was, in 
places, over one hundred miles wide. 

656. Expositions. — The great Cotton Exposition was held 
in Atlanta, Georgia, in 188 1. It showed that the Southern 
states had adapted themselves with wonderful success to the 
changed conditions brought about by the late war. 

In the same year the Centennial Celebration of the Sur- 
re7ider of Cor?iwallis was held at Yorktown, Virginia. 

Three years later a World'' s Exposition was held at New 
Orleans. It served to promote trade relations with Mexico 
and Central America. 



RECENT EVENTS. 



657. The Cincinnati Riot. — In 1884 a riot occurred in Cin- 
cinnati on account of delay in the courts. Over one hundred 
lives were lost before it was suppressed. 

658. Election of 1884. — In 1884 the question of reducing 
duties on foreign imports became a national issue. These 
duties were still maintained at nearly 
the same rates as had been levied 
during the War between the States. 
They yielded a revenue beyond the 
needs of the government and thus 
caused an increasing surplus in the 
national treasury. 

The Republicans nominated ..1 
James G. Blaine, of Maine, for the presi- 
dency, and John A. Logan, of Illinois, for the 
vice-presidency. Their platform proposed 
reduction in the revenues " by such methods 
as will reheve the tax-payer without injuring 
the laborers or the great productive interests 
of the country." 

The Democratic platform declared the 
protective tariff a burdensome tax no longer 
necessary, and demanded a tax " for revenue 
only." They nominated Grover Cleveland, 
of New York, for the presidency, and 
Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, for the 
vice-presidency. 

Nominations for the presidency and vice- 
presidency were also made by the Prohibi- 
tionists (J. P. St. John, of Kansas, and Wm. 
Daniel, of Maryland), and the Greenback Labor and Anti- 
Monopoly party (B. F. Butler, of Massachusetts, and A. M. 
West, of Mississippi). The Prohibitionists cast 151,809 votes, 
and the Anti-Monopolists 133,825. 




Washington Monunaent, 
Washington, D. C, 
completed I 885. 



424 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Cleveland and Hendricks were elected, receiving 219 electoral 
votes. Their opponents received 182. Thus for the first time 
in a quarter of a century the Democrats elected and seated a 
president. 

659. Summary. — A few months after his inauguration, President 
Garfield was assassinated by a weak-minded, disappointed office-seeker. 
Vice-President Arthur succeeded to the presidency. " Star-route " frauds 
perpetrated on the government by contractors for carrying the mails in the 
West were discovered and checked. Two unsuccessful polar expeditions 
were made. A stringent law against polygamy was enacted. A civil 
service law making merit, rather than political service, the basis of appoint- 
ment to office was passed. Expositions were held in Atlanta and New 
Orleans. A law reducing letter postage, and the adoption of standard time 
by the railroads proved of great benefit. In the presidential election Cleve- 
land, the Democratic candidate, was successful. 

660. Thought Questions. — If polygamy is part of the religious belief 
of the Mormons, how can anti-polygamy laws of Congress be justified (see 
Constitution, Amendment I) ? How does civil service reform secure better 
official service 

Cleveland's First Administration. 

One Term: 1885-1889. 

661. Character and Services of the President. — Grover 
Cleveland was born in New Jersey in 1837. His father 
removed to New York in 1841. Left an orphan by the death 
of his father, his youth was spent in poverty. He studied in 
the Academy at Clinton, made himself a lawyer, was assistant 
district attorney, sheriff, and mayor at Buffalo, and was elected 
governor of New York, in 1882, by nearly 200,000 majority. 
He is now (1895) serving his second term as president. Pres- 
ident Cleveland is a man of extraordinary force and courage. 
He has not hesitated to brave unpopularity for the sake of 
serving what he believed to be the welfare of the country. He 
is admired and respected by the masses of the people, while he 
is bitterly opposed by many of the leaders, even of his own 
party. 



RECENT EVENTS. 



425 



662. The Reform President. — Cleveland won the name of 
the Reform President by the changes which he proposed in the 
administration of the gov- 
ernment, but the Republi- 
cans had a majority in the 
Senate, and so the Demo- 
cratic party was unable to 
make the changes proposed 
in the tariff. President 
Cleveland carried out the 
civil service reform idea 
more thoroughly than his 
predecessors had done. He 
was noted for his moderate 
course in regard to remov- 
als from office. G.over Cleveland. 

663. Deaths. — On July 23, 1885, ex-President Grant died. 
Universal sorrow was manifested and his funeral was such 
as befitted one to whom the Union owed so much. Several 
prominent Confederate generals, among them General Jos. E. 
Johnston, officiated at his funeral. 

On the 25th of November, 1885, the vice-presidency became 
vacant by the death of Vice-President Hendricks. 

664. Important Legislation. Presidential Successio?t. — By 
a law passed in 1792, the president pro tempore of the Senate 
and the speaker of the House were to succeed in order to the 
presidency in case of death, resignation, or disability of both 
the president and vice-president. The death of Vice-President 
Hendricks occurred when Congress was not in session, that is, 
when there was neither a president pro tempore of the Senate nor a 
speaker of the House. Thus, if the president were to die, there 
would be no one to succeed to the position, and the country would 
be left without a chief magistrate. In 1886 a law was passed 




426 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



changing the order of succession to the presidency, and pre- 
scribing that cabinet officers shall succeed to this position in a 
certain specified order.^ 

Coimtiiig of Electoral Vote. — The peril incurred in 1876 in 
counting the electoral vote led ten years later to the passage of 
an act providing more definitely against the recurrence of such 
a crisis. The act provided that the electoral votes which both 
houses agree to be legal shall be counted. In case of disagree- 
ment, those votes are to be counted which have the certificate 
of the governor attached. 

In 1887 the Liter state Railroad Commission was established 
by Congress to regulate railroad transportation between states. 

In the same year a more stringent bill was passed to prevent 
polygamy among the Mormons (§652). 

The year following Congress passed a law prohibiting 
Chinese immigration for a period of ten years. 

665. Labor Troubles. — The quarrel between labor and 
capital attracted attention from time to time for many years. 
It culminated, in 1886, in strikes all over the United States. 
In Chicago the strikers manifested their sympathy with the 
Anarchists (chiefly foreigners who were opposed to government 
of any kind). A fight occurred with the police and about 
eighty persons were killed. This trouble was started by a 
dynamite bomb thrown by Anarchists among the policemen. 
The bomb exploded and killed seven of the officers. The 
Anarchist leaders were arrested and tried, and four were ex- 
ecuted. The others were sentenced to long terms of imprison- 
ment, but were liberated in 1893 on the ground that they had 
not been justly treated in the trial. 

^ The following is the order of presidential succession in the cabinet : (i) secretary 
of state ; (2) secretary of the treasury ; (3) secretary of war ; (4) secretary of the navy; 
(5) secretary of the interior; (6) attorney-general; (7) postnaaster-general ; (8) secre- 
tary of agriculture. 



RECENT EVENTS. 



427 



666. The Charleston Earthquake. — The South Atlantic 
seaboard was visited by severe earthquake shocks in 1886. 
The center of the disturbance was near Charleston, S. C. Im- 
mense damage was done to property. Nearly every house in the 
city was either destroyed or much injured (August 31, 1886). 



667. The Statue of Liberty. — The French people, to show 
their admiration for the United States, presented to the people 




Houses Destroyed by the Earthquake. 



of our country a statue of " Liberty Enlightening the World." 
The statue was made in France, by the artist Bartholdi, at 
a cost of a quarter of a million dollars. It is the largest work 
of the kind in the world, its height being 292 feet. The 
interior of the head contains standing room for forty persons. 
It faces the entrance to New York harbor. 

668. Political Questions. — The tariff on imports added to 
the internal revenues on liquor and tobacco yielded the govern- 
ment an annual surplus of $100,000,000 after all the expenses 
had been paid. President Cleveland recommended to Con- 
gress, in December, 1887, such a reduction in the tariff as 



428 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



would make the receipts and the expenses of the government 
more nearly equal. The Mills ^ bill, which passed the House of 
Representatives, but was defeated in the Senate, was intended 
to carry out the policy recommended by the president. The 
House was Democratic and the Senate was Republican. So 
the issue was made before the people in the presidential elec- 
tion on the tariff policy of President Cleveland. 

669. Presidential Election of 1888. — The Democrats re- 
nominated Cleveland, with Allen G. Thurman, of Ohio, for 
vice-president. Their platform demanded a reduction of the 
tariff to the revenue basis. The Republicans nominated Ben- 
jamin Harrison, of Indiana, for president, and Levi P. Morton, 
of New York, for vice-president. Their platform advocated 
protection for American industries. 

The Prohibitionists and the United Labor party put up can- 
didates also, but they got no electoral votes. 

Cleveland was defeated, the Republican candidates receiving 
233 electoral votes to Cleveland's 168. The popular vote for 
Cleveland exceeded that for Harrison by 94,611. 

670. Summary. — President Cleveland carried out with great firmness 
his ideas of reform in the civil service. The deaths of General Grant 
and Vice-President Hendricks occurred during this administration. There 
were quarrels between capital and labor in various parts of the country 
and a conflict between Anarchists and the police of Chicago. An 
earthquake at Charleston, S. C., did great damage. The statue of 
"Liberty Enlightening the World" was presented to the United States 
by the French people. Laws regulating the presidential succession, pro- 
viding for the settlement of disputed elections, establishing an Interstate 
Railway Commission, and forbidding Chinese immigration were passed. 
In the presidential election, the reduction of the tariff was made an issue 
between the parties. Cleveland was beaten for reelection by Harrison, the 
Republican candidate. 

671. Thought Questions. — Who was the last Democratic president 
before Cleveland What are the arguments in favor of restricting Chinese 

1 So named from its author, Hon. Roger Q. Mills of Texas. 



Copyright by Charles T. Root 

LIBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD 

A Statue in the Harbor of New York City, given to the American People by the 
People of France 



1 



- 



RECENT EVENTS. 



immigration ? Why do the Chinese come to this country? Why do they 
settle in the West ? What immigrants have been most valuable to us ? 
What sort of immigrants are undesirable ? What political question was 
most prominent during this administration ? How may a candidate 
receiving a minority of the popular vote be elected president ? 

Administration of Benjamin Harrison. 
One Term : 1889-1893. 

672. Character and Services of the New President. — 

Benjamin Harrison (grandson of President William Henry 
Harrison) was born in Ohio on the 20th of August, 1833. 



parties. He is a man of unblemished reputation in both public 
and private life. 

673. The Pan-American Congress. — The Fan-American 
i^pan is a Greek word meaning "all") Co7igress was a body 
composed of sixty-six delegates from eighteen of the North, 
Central, and South American governments. They met in 




After graduating at Miami 
University, and studying 
law, he went to Indiana to 
practice his profession. He 
entered the Union army in 
1 86 1, and had reached the 
rank of brevet - brigadier 
general when the war closed. 
Returning then to Indian- 
apolis he resumed the prac- 
tice of law. He was elected 
to the United States Senate 
in 1880. 



Benjamin Harrison. 



Harrison's course as pre- 
sident was such as to com- 
mand the respect of all 



430 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Washington on October 2, 1889, and, after spending six weeks 
visiting leading cities, continued their deUberations until May, 
1890. The object of the meeting, as stated, was the promo- 
tion of friendly feeling and closer intercourse between the 
American peoples. One useful recommendation made by the 
congress was that the nations represented should settle their 
disputes by arbitration rather than war. 

674. Congressional Legislation — The McKinky Bill — 
In the campaign of 1888 the Republicans had committed them- 
selves to the policy of increasing the tariff ; and as they now 
had control of both Houses of Congress they proceeded to 
pass a new tariff law, which was named from its framer ^ the 
McKinley bill. Under this tariff the duties on a large num- 
ber of imported articles were increased, while they were re- 
duced or altogether removed on others. The law contained, 
besides, a section which authorized the president to impose 
duties on articles otherwise free, if they came from foreign 
countries in which duties were levied on exports from this 
country. This was known as the " Reciprocity Policy," and 
was probably suggested by the meeting of the Pan-American 
Congress. Treaties were afterward made with some of the 
South American countries, as well as with Spain (in the 
interest of her American possessions, especially Cuba) under 
the provisions of this law. 

Silver Agai?i. — The advocates of the free coinage of sil- 
ver, not satisfied with the Bland Bill (§ 639^ note), continued to 
demand legislation in favor of "the white metal." The 
result was a compromise called the Sherman Act, from Senator 
John Sherman of Ohio. It provided that the secretary of the 
treasury should buy 4,500,000 ounces of silver monthly, and 
pay for it in treasury notes. 



1 Hon, William H. McKinley, member of Congress from Ohio. 



RECENT EVENTS. 



675. Diplomatic Troubles. — President Harrison's adminis- 
tration was noted for an unusual number of disputes with 
foreign powers. None of them, however, led to an actual con- 
flict of arms. 

The Mafia. — One of these disputes was with Italy. It 
resulted from a lynching in New Orleans. The chief of police 
of that city was assassinated, and the evidence pointed pretty 
conclusively to some resident Italians who were members 
of a dangerous secret society called the Mafia. As the 
courts failed to convict the murderers, the indignant citizens 
broke into the jail where they were still confined, and put them 
to death. The Italian government protested and demanded 
reparation of the United States, on the ground that some of 
the men killed were Italian subjects. The secretary of state, 
on behalf of the United States, disclaimed responsibility, and 
war seemed imminent. Our government agreed at last to 
pay a money compensation to the families of some of the 
victims, and Italy accepted the situation. 

Samoa. — Germany claimed special control over the 
Samoan Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The claim was disputed 
by the United States, and matters looked serious for a while. 
The question was settled by a treaty signed at Berlin, provid- 
ing that England, Germany, and the United States should have 
joint control of these islands. 

Chili. — Our country was brought to the verge of a war 
with Chili in 1891. The trouble resulted from the murder 
of some sailors belonging to the warship Baltimore, who had 
gone ashore at Valparaiso. They were attacked in the streets 
by a mob, and two of them were killed. Chili finally dis- 
avowed the deed, and agreed to pay damages to the United 
States. 

676. New War-ships. — One important result of these in- 
cidents was that attention was directed to the weakness of our 



432 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



navy in comparison with the navies of the other great nations. 
Steps were at once taken to remedy the weakness. Liberal 




The Flag-ship Chicago. 



appropriations were made, and contracts were let for the con- 
struction of a number of first-class war-ships. 

677. Minor Events. — Oklaho77ia^ a district in the heart of 
the Indian Territory, covering nearly 40,000 square miles, 
was opened to settlement in 1889. 10,000 new homesteads 



RECENT EVENTS. 



433 



were offered, and the struggle to get them was highly exciting. 
Such was the rush of people to the new territory that the pop- 
ulation in 1890 was over 60,000, and in 1894 it was 250,000. 

Johnstown is a busy manufacturing city situated on the 
Conemaugh river, in central Pennsylvania. On May 13, 1889, 
the people of this little city were terrified by the awful sight 
of a column of water forty feet deep and half a mile wide 
rolling madly down the valley to where the town lay. A dam 
had broken on the heights above, and the flood rushed down 
so swiftly that an express train could not escape it. More 
than 2,000 people perished, and $10,000,000 worth of property 
was destroyed. 

678. New States. — Four new states were admitted in 
1889, the law providing for their admission having been 
passed in 1888. These were North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Montana, and Washington. Idaho and Wyoming were ad- 
mitted in 1890. The number of stars in the American flag 
was raised from 38 to 44 in President Harrison's administra- 
tion. 

679. Hawaii. — Early in 1893 a revolution occurred in 
Hawaii. The queen had proclaimed a constitution which was 
adverse to the interests of the large number of foreign residents 
of the island. A mass meeting was held, the queen and her 
constitution were denounced, and the protection of the United 
States was invoked. A body of soldiers from an American 
war-ship was landed, the queen was deposed, and a provisional 
government was organized. Commissioners were sent on to 
Washington to negotiate a treaty of annexation with the United 
States. President Harrison entered into a treaty and sent it 
to the Senate for confirmation shortly before the expiration of 
his term. The treaty was withdrawn by President Cleveland 
two days after his inauguration and nothing further has been 
done toward annexation. 



434 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



680. The Eleventh Census was taken in 1890 and showed 
a population of 62,622,250, a gain of about 25 per cent in ten 
years. The census showed that the South had made wonder- 
ful progress during the decade. The center of population was 
found to have moved forty-eight miles westward ; it is located 
in Indiana, twenty miles east of Columbus. 

681. Election of 1893. — The Repubhcans renominated 
President Harrison, and put Whitelaw Reid of New York on 
the ticket for vice-president. Grover Cleveland was again 
nominated by the Democrats with Adlai E. Stevenson of 
Illinois as the candidate for vice-president. The only im- 
portant difference in the platforms of the Democrats and 
Republicans was the tariff plank. The Democrats demanded 
" a tariff for revenue only " while the Republicans upheld the 
McKinley Bill and advocated " protection for protection's 
sake." 

The People's Party or " Populists " ^ nominated for president 
James B. Weaver of Iowa, who had been the candidate of the 
Greenbackers in 1880, and General James G. Field of Virginia 
for vice-president. The Prohibitionists nominated John Bid- 
well of California for president, and Rev. J. B. Cranfill of 
Texas for vice-president. 

The election resulted in an overwhelming Democratic vic- 
tory. Cleveland received 277 electoral votes, — Harrison 
received 145 votes and Weaver 22 votes. 

682. Summary. — The Pan-American Congress of representatives of 
the governments of North, Central, and South America met in Washington 
for the purpose of cultivating closer intercourse between the nations of 

i The Populist party has grown up within the past few years. The principal 
features of its programme or platform are as follows : Protection of labor against 
capital, free coinage of silver at the ratio of i6 to i, loaning of money by the govern- 
ment to its citizens at a nominal rate of interest, an increased currency, government 
ownership of railroads and telegraphs and opposition to ownership of land by aliens. 
The party has grown out of the Farmers' Alliance. 



RECENT EVENTS. 



America. A high-tariff bill known as the McKinley Bill was passed : also 
the Sherman Act, providing for the monthly purchase of silver by the 
government. Members of the Italian Mafia in New Orleans, accused of 
murder, were lynched by the citizens, resulting in a diplomatic controversy 
with Italy. It was agreed by treaty that England, Germany, and the 
United States should have joint control of the Samoan Islands. Threatened 
war with Chili was averted. The territory of Oklahoma was opened to 
settlement. North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington were 
admitted as states. Steps were taken by the authorities of the Hawaiian 
Islands to secure annexation to the United States. In the presidential 
election Cleveland was renominated by the Democrats and was elected. 

683. Thought Questions. — Which of our presidents were related as 
father and son ? As grandfather and grandson In what presidential 
elections has the result turned upon the views of the candidates on certain 
political questions ? In what elections has personal popularity decided the 
result ? What is meant by " the free coinage of silver " ? 



Cleveland's Second Administration. 
1893- 

684. The Silver Question Again. — Inasmuch as the issue 
in the campaign of 1892 between the Democrats and the 
RepubUcans had been the reform of the tariff, it was gener- 
ally expected that the reduction of the duties on imports would 
be the first matter to receive attention from the new adminis- 
tration. The Democrats, for the first time since Buchanan's 
administration, held both houses of Congress as well as the 
presidency and therefore could pass any law on which they 
agreed. But a very serious financial crisis had begun early in 
1893, and it was beheved that it was due to the Sherman Act, 
which compelled the government to buy silver (§ 674). Ac- 
cordingly, President Cleveland summoned Congress in an extra 
session in August to repeal this act. After a long wrangle over 
the matter Congress met the president's wishes and repealed 
the law and adjourned. 



436 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



685. The Revision of the Tariff was undertaken at the 
regular session of Congress in December. The Wilson Bill, 
named from Mr. Wilson of West Virginia, by whom it was in- 
troduced, provided for a sweeping reduction of duties, espe- 
cially on raw materials to be used in manufactures, and was 
passed by the House of Representatives. The Senate refused 
to accept the bill and so changed it by amendments as to make 
it practically another bill. The House refused for some time to 
concur in the amendments, but was finally forced to do so or 
have no bill at all. This division of the Democrats among 
themselves weakened the hold of the party on public con- 
fidence. 

686. A New State. — An act was passed by Congress 
for the admission of Utah as the forty-fifth state. 

687. Behring Sea Arbitration. — England and the United 
States had been quarreling for several years over the seal- 
fisheries in Behring Sea. Secretary of State Blaine, while 
Harrison was president, had claimed that the United States 
had acquired jurisdiction over the whole of the sea when 
Alaska was purchased, and sealing vessels belonging to Cana- 
dians had been seized. England had protested on the ground 
that the jurisdiction of the United States extended only three! 
miles from the shore. The matter was finally referred to a 
court of arbitration which met in Paris in 1893. The claim of 
the United States to the sea was not sustained ; but the cause 
of the claim, the prevention of wholesale destruction of the 
seals, was won. 

688. The Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in i8gt3 
proved to be the grandest World's Fair ever seen. It was a 
fitting commemoration by the foremost nation in America of 
the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by 
Columbus. " The White City," as the buildings containing the 




THE 

UNITED STATES ^ ^ s 



(367) 



! 

Ill 



RECENT EVENTS. 



437 



collections were called, was a marvel of beauty and magnifi- 
cence. 

689. Summary. — For the first time in thirty-three years, the Demo- 
cratic party controlled both houses of Congress as well as the presidency. 
The Sherman Act was repealed. The Wilson bill, lowering the tariff, was 




Court of Honor, Columbian Exposition. 

passed. A quarrel with England over the Behring Sea fisheries was settled 
by arbitration. The Columbian Exposition in Chicago, commemorating 
the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, proved to be the grandest 
World's Fair ever held. 

690. Thought Questions. — What different views are held to-day on the 
tariff? the immigration question the silver question suffrage question 
temperance question ? 



Conclusion. 

We have traced the history of our country from the dim days 
of the far past when sea-roving northmen first touched on its 
shores ; we have followed the brave Columbus in his strange 
voyage over the trackless ocean until he saw the first land of 
the New World ; we have seen how the fair new land became 
dotted here and there by a few widely separated settlements, 
dreading wild beasts and wilder men ; we have seen the sturdy 
settlers hew their way amid countless hardships and dangers 



438 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



to lasting success ; we have seen the straggUng colonies grow 
strong enough to resist the tyrannical demands of the mother 
country and to establish their independence ; we have beheld the 
novel spectacle of a new form of government created by a 
written document called a Constitution ; we have followed the 
wonderful growth of the new nation as it overspread the con- 
tinent until it reached the Pacific Ocean ; — then we have 
shown how the differences in development and institutions 
between the North and South grew into hate and bloodshed ; 
we have seen the matchless courage and devotion to what they 
believed to be right of the men who wore the blue and the 
men who wore the gray ; we have seen how the " Stars and 
Stripes " prevailed over the " Stars and Bars." 

Our country has entered upon the second century of its in- 
dependence. Its growth has been the wonder of the world. 
It has emerged from the War between the States stronger and 
more closely united. "The past, at least, is secure." New 
perils and problems will arise as conditions change ; but the 
courage, energy, wisdom, love of justice, and love of country 
which have animated our fathers may be trusted to guide their 
sons in the paths of peace and progress. 




RECENT EVENTS. 



439 



Topical Analysis (Recent Events). 

635. The New President. 

636. Character of the Period. 

„ , , ^ , , f Withdrawal of Federal troops. 

637. The Southern States. ^ „ , , „ 

Fall of " carpet-bag governments. 

638. Labor Troubles. 

f Silver demonetized. 

639. Financial Legislation. -{ Specie payments resumed. 

National debt refunded. 

f Telephone. 

640. Inventions. -<| Electric light. 

Phonograph. 

641. Yellow Fever in the South. 

642. Presidential Election. 

645. Life and Services of Garfield. 

646. Appointments to Office : Course of New York senators. 

647. Assassination of Garfield. 

648. 649. Accession of Arthur : His life and services. 
650. Star Route Frauds. 

^ „ , ^ f Under Capt. DeLong. 

65.. Polar Expeditions. | ^^^^^ ^ieut. Greely. 

Law against polygamy. 



. , , , Civil service law. 

652. Important Legislation. tariff of 1883. 

Postal laws. 

653. The Brooklyn Bridge. 

654. Standard Time. 

, r Forest fires. 

655. Disasters, i ^. , 
•^■^ I Floods. 

f At Atlanta. 

656. Expositions. <! At New Orleans. 

[ Centennial celebration at York town. 

657. Cincinnati Riot. 

Issues before the people. 
Result of the election. 



658. Presidential Election. ^ 



440 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



661. The New President. 

662. The President's Policy. 



663. Deaths. 



General Grant. 
Vice-President Hendricks. 



664. Important Legislation. < 



Presidential succession. 
Counting of electoral vote.- 
Interstate Railway Commission. 
Anti-polygamy law. 
Chinese immigration law. 



665. Labor Troubles : Chicago Anarchists. 

666. The Charleston Earthquake. 

J J- T ^ ( T'he givers and their purpose. 

667. The Statue of Liberty. ] ^. ^ , . . . , , 

1^ bize and location of the statue. 

668. Political Questions : The Mills Tariff Bill. 

^ , ^, r Issues before the people. 

669. Presidential Election. < ^ , r , . 

Result of the election. 



I 



'672. The New President. 

f Governments represented. 
673. The Pan-American Congress. -<| The meeting and its purpose. 

1^ Results. 
The McKinley Tariff Bill. 
The Sherman silver purchasing act. 



674. Important Legislation, 



f The New Orleans Mafia. 

675. Diplomatic Troubles. Dispute over Samoan Islands. 

Threatened war with Chili. 

676. New War Ships. 

, ^ , Oklahoma opened to settlement. 

677. Minor Events. ^ ^ , ^ ^ ^ , 

1^ 1 he J ohnstown flood. 

678. Four New States. 

Revolution on the Island. 
Steps toward annexation. 

680. The Eleventh Census : Growth of the country. 

-ni- -Tk -3 X- 1 -1^1 X- r Issues before the people. 
1681. The Presidential Election. ^ ^ , r , , . 

Result of the election. 



679. Hawaii. 



RECENT EVENTS. 



441 



CLEVELAND'S 
SECOND 
ADMINISTRATION." 

(1893-) 



684. 



Silver 



f Financial crisis. 

. , , . <l Extra session of Congress. 
Legislation. ] ^ 1 r ci, a\ 
Repeal or Sherman Act. 



685. Revision f The Wilson Bill. 

of the <i Disagreement between Senate and 
Tariff. [_ House. 

686. Act to admit Utah. 

687. Behring Sea f Quarrel with England. 
Arbitration. \ Settlement of the disputes. 

688. Columbian Exposition. 



APPENDIX A. 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. 
By Leonard Lemmon. 



The Father of American Literature. — Washifigton Irvi?ig 
(i 783-1859), our first great author, was born in New York 
during the Revolutionary War, and was named for the com- 
mander of the American 
forces. His family was 
well-to-do, and Irving 
had an easy time. He 
spent some holidays ex- 
ploring the country of 
the Hudson. He made 
an extended tour of 
Europe. He studied 
some, and read a good 
deal. Solely as a means 
of amusement, he began 
to write. His first book, 
"A History of New York 
by Diedrich Knicker- 
bocker," presents a 
humorous, burlesque 
view of the old Dutch 
life of New Amsterdam. 

When Irving was thirty- Washington Irving. 




11 



APPENDIX A. 



five years old, the Irving firm failed in business, and Washington 
turned to literature to make a living. "The Sketch Book" 
was the first fruit of this serious attempt at authorship. It 
contained " Rip Van Winkle " and " The Legend of Sleepy 
Hollow," now two of the best known short stories in our 
literature. From this time, for forty years he was busy writing 
books. Many of these books were written about subjects of 
particular interest to Americans. The " Life of Columbus," 
" Life of Washington," " Astoria," " Captain Bonneville," are 
of the American s.eries. " Alhambra," " Conquest of Granada," 
"Legends of the Conquest of Spain," are books about Spain. 
Besides these are " Mahomet and His Successors," " Life of 
Goldsmith," and others. 

In representing our country at foreign courts, Irving spent 
many years in Europe ; but the latter part of his life was passed 
at " Sunnyside," his estate on the Hudson. 

Because Irving was the first native American to win great 
distinction as an author, he is called the " Father of American 
Literature." It was fitting that the namesake of the "Father 
of our Country " should be the "father" of our literature. 

• The First Great Novelist. — James Fejiimore Cooper (1789- 
185 1) passed his boyhood in a pioneer home on the frontier of 
New York. He spent nearly three years at Yale College, and 
subsequently more than three years in the U. S. navy. He 
was led to write his first book by accident. He was so dis- 
satisfied with an English novel that had fallen into his hands 
that he asserted that he could write a better one. He wrote 
" Precaution," to prove that he could. This novel was a poor 
one, but it seemed to satisfy Cooper, for he persevered in the 
work so lightly begun, and before his death he wrote more than 
thirty novels. Several of these stories exhibit the pioneer life 
of the wilderness with which he grew familiar in his boyhood. 
They are "The Deerslayer," "The Pathfinder," "The Last of 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE:. 



iii 



the Mohicans," "The Pioneers," "The Prairie"; and from 
the name of their hero they are called the " Leather-Stocking 
Series." 

But Cooper had spent several years as a sailor, and he wrote a 
series of sea stories. "The Pilot," "The Red Rover," "The 
Two Admirals," are well-known sea tales. " The Spy " and 
" Lionel Lincoln " are stories of the Revolution. 

The " Leather-Stocking Series " gives a romantic view of 
Indian and pioneer adventure, and are distinctively American. 
The sea tale was at that day as fresh a field as the Indian life 
itself. Cooper ranks as the first great American novelist. 



The Father of American Poetry. — William Cullen Bryant 
(1794- 1878) was born 
in Massachusetts, and 
spent his early life on a 
farm. He loved books 
and nature, and was a 
very precocious scholar. 
His first important poem, 
" Thanatopsis," was 
written when the author 
was but nineteen. When 
it was printed, four years 
later, it made the author 
famous. Though Bryant 
wrote many poems after 
this, he never wrote a 
better one. Late in life, 
he made excellent trans- 
lations of the " Iliad " 
and the " Odyssey." 

In 1825 Bryant removed to New York, and lived there the 
remainder of his life, more than half a century. He was for 




William Cullen Bryant 



iv 



APPENDIX A, 



many years the editor of a daily newspaper. He was an 
eminent and a model citizen. He was our first great poet. 

Minor Contemporaries. — Friends of Irving in New York 
were two poets, Fitz- Greene Halleck 2.T\di Joseph Rodman Drake. 
The first was the author of a large volume of poems, , of which 
" Marco Bozzaris " seems to have the most vitality ; the second 
was the author of a long poem, "The Culprit Fay," written to 
prove that a successful poem, based on American scenery and 
with an American movement, was possible. Drake's "Ameri- 
can Flag " was a very popular poem. 

A Later Contemporary. — Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) 
was born twenty-six years after Irving and fifteen years after 
Bryant ; but Irving survived him ten years and Bryant twenty- 
nine, so that all his writing was done during the lives of these 
first great writers, though they began before he did and con- 
tinued after he was dead. 

Poe was left an orphan in his babyhood, and was adopted by 
Mr. John Allan, a wealthy Virginia gentleman. He attended 
school in England and at the University of Virginia and at 
West Point. He early began to write poetry, and his first 
volume, "Al Aaraaf," was published when its author was but 
twenty years old. Poetry was not very remunerative and Poe, 
who had quarreled with his foster-father, was very poor. With 
the tale, "A MS. Found in a Bottle," he won a hundred-dollar 
prize. From this good start his fortunes improved. He became 
the editor of " The Southern Literary Messenger," a magazine 
published at Richmond. He was afterward editor or chief con- 
tributor to several other magazines. He wrote a large number 
of short tales. His critical writings make a large volume. No 
American poems have been more widely read than some that 
he wrote. He was an important figure in the literary life of 
the time. 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. V 

Of his prose tales, ''The Black Cat," ''The Gold Bug," 
"The Murders in the Rue Morgue," are the most widely 
known. They have been translated into several European 
languages. Of his poems, " The Raven," " The Bells," and 
" Annabel Lee," are familiar in every household. 

Natha7iiel Parker Willis was a contemporary and a friend of 
Poe, and was engaged with him for a short time in editing a 
magazine, " The Mirror." Willis, like Poe, wrote both prose 
and poetry. "Absalom," "Jephthah's Daughter," and some 
other poems on Bible subjects were once popular. 

The Golden Age. - — In different states and at about the same 
time — there being not more than six years from the birth of 
the oldest to that of the youngest — and about a decade after 
Bryant's birth, five writers who have produced the great body 
of our pure literature and have raised it to its highest mark of 
renown, were born into the world. These writers are Ralph 
Waldo Emerson^ Natha7iiel Hawthorne^ Henry Wadsworth Long- 
fellow^ John Greenleaf Whittier, and Oliver Wendell Hohnes. 
Fortune often threw these writers together. They were 
strong personal friends and all friends of Bryant, and they 
encouraged and applauded each other's work. They differ 
essentially in their several writings. Emerson was a sage 
devoted to plain living and high thinking ; Hawthorne was one 
of the world's greatest romancers ; Longfellow was a singer 
who loved the sweet and joyous of life ; Whittier was by turns 
a crusader and a pastoral poet ; Holmes was a humorist and a 
satirist. When these writers were in the fullness of their 
powers and their genius most creative, then, beyond question, 
was the Golden Age of American letters. There have been 
great achievements since their time, but the literary heavens 
have never been bright with stars since their lights were 
dimmed. 



vi 



APPENDIX A. 



The Sage of Concord. — Emerson (1803-1882) was born in 
Boston. He was well taught at home when a boy, but at 
fourteen he entered Harvard College. He studied theology 
and became a minister, with a charge in Boston. He soon 
gave up preaching and removed to Concord, where he spent 
the remainder of his life. He devoted his time to writing and 



Conduct of Life" (i860), a volume of poems, etc. His poems are 
of the philosophic type, but his " Concord Hymn," referring to the 
Revolutionary battle at Concord Bridge, won a popular success. 

Emerson had a great influence upon the thought of his time. 
There were a number of writers who made his works their 
chief study, and were proud to call themselves his disciples. 
H. D. Thoreau was one of these disciples. For a time he 
lived alone in a cabin in the forest studying and writing about 
nature. Margaret Fuller and A. B. Alcott were other writers 
who were followers of Emerson, but their literary merit is small. 




Ralph Waldo Emerson. 



lecturing. He delivered 
lectures in most of the 
cities of the east, and in 
many of them he lectured 
several times. He was the 
first to show to Americans 
the possibilities and the 
importance of the lecture 
platform. His prose writ- 
ings are in the form of 
essays. His first book, 
" Nature " (1839), created 
a deep impression, and 
heralded a new and strong 
literary light. His works 
include Representative 
Men" (1850), "English 
Traits" (1856), "The 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. vii 



The Great Romancer. — Hawthorne (1804-1864) was born 
in Salem, Mass. He was graduated from Bowdoin College. 
He was much alone in his boyhood and youth, and the solitude 
seemed to suit him. He began writing early, but received 
little encouragement from the public. To use his own expres- 
sion he " was for years the obscurest man of letters in America." 
The historian Bancroft, 
collector of the port of 
Boston, appointed Haw- 
thorne to a minor position 
in the service. Later, 
Hawthorne became sur- 
veyor at the Salem Cus- 
tom House. When his 
schoolmate and friend, 
Franklin Pierce, became 
president, he was ap- 
pointed consul to Liver- 
pool. He spent several 
years abroad in England 
and in Italy. He re- 
turned to America in 
i860, and took up re- 
sidence in Concord. 
Hawthorne's first suc- 
cess was gained with 
"The Scarlet Letter" (1850), although he had previously 
published "Twice-Told Tales" (1837) and "Mosses from 
an Old Manse" (1846). "The Blithedale Romance" (1852) 
and " The Marble Faun " are later romances, published 
during his life. After his death, several studies for romances 
were published. His " English Note Book," " Italian Note 
Book," and " Our Old Home " are records of his observations 
abroad. 




Nathaniel Hawthorne. 



viii 



APPENDIX A. 



He was a master of pure, simple English. He is America's 
greatest imaginative writer. 

The Singer. — Longfellow (1807-1882) was born in Maine. 
He attended school at Bowdoin College, where he and Haw- 
thorne were friends and 
classmates. After some 
years of study abroad, 
he became a professor 
in Bowdoin. From 1835 
to 1854 he was professor 
of Modern Languages in 
Harvard College. The 
termination of his pro- 
fessorship did not ter- 
minate his residence in 
Cambridge. For nearly 
fifty years, till his death, 
the house Washington 
had occupied as head- 
quarters was his home. 
He lived a quiet, un- 
eventful life, brightened 
often by trips to Europe. 
His correct and peaceful life is reflected in his poetry. He 
writes of the affections, and he expresses refined sentiments ; 
he touches the heart with pathetic incidents ; he gently urges 
us to the better life. His verse is always smooth and 
musical. 

Many of his poems attest his love for children. The long 
poem, Evangeline," founded upon the forcible removal of the 
Acadians, is a classic in our language. The story is a touching 
one, and the treatment is musical and appropriate. " Hiawatha " 
is, perhaps, the poet's best work. Its noble conception is 




Henry W. Longfellow. 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. ix 

entirely original. The form of the verse is also original, and 

is admirably adapted to its use. The poem presents the ideal 

of Indian life. The author translated Dante's " Divine 
Comedy," spending some years upon it. 

The Crusader. — Whittier (1807-1892) was a New England 
boy, born on a farm in Massachusetts. He was familiar with 
poverty and hard work. 
He had access to but few 
books, and he received 
but a poor education. 
But, with the chances all 
against him, he became a 
famous poet. A copy of 
the poems of Burns which 
fell into his hands kept 
the poetic fire alight. 
His first printed poem 
appeared in a local paper 
— a paper that has since 
become historic. The 
editor, interested in the 
poem, sought the acquain- 
tance of. the poet. He 
found a youth ploughing 
in the field. The acquain- 

John Greenleaf Whittier. 

tance so begun ripened 

into friendship. The editor. Garrison, was an ardent advocate 
of the abolition of slavery. Whittier adopted the same views, 
and in subsequent years edited or helped to edit several of the 
abolition papers. In his youth he had supported himself by 
teaching school or by making shoes, but his reputation grew, 
so that subsequent to the War he was able to support himself 
with his pen. 




X 



APPENDIX A. 



Whittier believed in the extreme theories of the Abohtionists. 
Most of his early poetry was written to further the cause of 
emancipation. He was willing to sacrifice beauty of composi- 
tion to the needs of the cause, and often did so. " Voices of 
Freedom " and " In War Time " belong to this early poetry 
written in advocacy of freedom for the slave. 

After the war was over and the negroes were freed, Whittier 
became the poet of peaceful, happy, rural life. " Snow-Bound " 
(1866) is one of the most nearly perfect idylls in our literature. 
"The Tent on the Beach," "Among the Hills," and many 
other poems reflect the same love for the simple, serene, isolated 
life of the New England people of some years ago. 

The Humorist. — Dr. Holmes (1809-1894) was born in 
Cambridge, Mass. He was graduated from Harvard, with 

first honors, in his 
twentieth year. He be- 
gan the study of law, 
but abandoned it for 
medicine. He spent 
three years abroad study- 
ing anatomy. In 1836 
he was appointed to a 
professorship in Dart- 
mouth Medical School. 
He removed to Boston 
in 1840; he made this 
city his home for more 
than fifty years. In 1847 
he was appointed pro- 
fessor of anatomy and 
physiology in the Har- 
vard Medical School. 
Oliver Wendell Holmes, He wrotc many articlcs 




AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. xi 

on subjects connected with his profession and was an authority 
in it. But most of his writings are of an entirely different kind. 
He wrote a large volume of poems, two novels, " Elsie Ven- 
ner," and "The Guardian Angel," "The Autocrat" series, — 
running comments upon a variety of topics, — consisting of 
"The Autocrat at the Breakfast Table," "The Professor at the 
Breakfast Table," and "The Poet at the Breakfast Table." 
He is the author of two or three of our most celebrated 
humorous poems and of many that rank second only to his 
own best. " The Wonderful One-Hoss Shay," " How the Old 
Horse won the Bet," "The Hot Season," "The Comet" are 
among these humorous poems. But he has serious and 
pathetic poems as well. "The Last Leaf" and "The Cham- 
bered Nautilus " are beautiful in sentiment and perfect in work- 
manship. He was an extremely patriotic American, and a 
large number of his poems were written in celebration of 
national holidays, ceremonies, or events. " Old Ironsides," 
the first of his poems to gain wide popularity, saved the ship 
Constitution from destruction by the government. 

Our Representative Man of Letters. — James Russell Lowell 
(i8 19-189 1) was born in Cambridge ten years after the birth 
of Holmes, twelve years after the birth of Longfellow. He 
was fifteen years younger than Hawthorne, sixteen years 
younger than Emerson, twenty-five years younger than Bryant. 
He was, therefore, near to the first great group of writers, but 
not of it. He was graduated from Harvard in 1838. When 
Longfellow resigned his professorship in Harvard (1855) Lowell 
was chosen to fill it. He was the first editor of the " Atlantic 
Monthly," his connection with it lasting from 1852 to 1862. For 
nearly ten years he was one of the editors of the " North Ameri- 
can Review." From 1877 to 1880 he represented the United 
States at the court of Spain. In 1880 he was appointed minister 
to England; he held the position for five years. 



Xll 



APPENDIX A. 



He was an eloquent advocate of the emancipation of the 
slaves, and some of his short poems and the " Biglow Papers " 

advocated this cause. 
I But only a small part 
of his poetry is argu- 
mentative. "The 
Vision of Sir Launfal " 
is an imaginative treat- 
ment of an old subject. 
The "Fable for Critics" 
reviews in racy verse 
the work of the promi- 
nent authors of its day. 
" The Cathedral is a 
noble discussion of 
modern problems. But 
not all of his poems 
can be named ; there 
are other long poems 
and many short ones. " 

Lowell was also a 
critic of great ability, 
som.e of the world's 
great authors. He has written delightful essays on various 
subjects. 

Because of the high public position he has held and honored 
and of the breadth and quality of his literary work he is, per- 
haps, our most representative author. 




James Russe 



I 



and has printed valuable studies of 



The Historians. — America has been too busy making 
history to write much of it, still we have something to show, 
Geo?-ge Bajicroff s " History of the United States " is the best 
that has been written of the colonial development of our 
country. It shows the origin and the working of the forces 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. xiii 

that have made us the nation that we are. It reaches only to 
the Constitutional period. It is conscientious, fair, and broad. 
Francis Parkman wrote charming accounts of the explora- 
tion and settlement of the Mississippi region. Professor 
John Bach McMaster has begun a " History of the People 
of the United States " at the point where Bancroft dropped 
his. A number of writers on the Civil War have put 
forth pamphlets or ambitious volumes. Horace Greelefs 
" Great American Conflict " is a notable contribution to the 
anti-slavery view of it. Alexander H. Stephens, in " The War 
between the States " discusses the same subject from the 
states' rights point of view. Jefferson Davis, in his Rise and 
Fall of the Confederate Government," gives a full account of 
the great events in which he played such a conspicuous part. 
W. H. Prescott, in the " Conquest of Mexico " and the " Con- 
quest of Peru " turns the attention of Americans to some of 
the earliest European interferences with political affairs on this 
hemisphere. John Lothrop Motley, from the vantage-ground of 
free America, writes histories of magnificent struggles for free- 
dom in " The Rise of the Dutch Republic " and " The History 
of the United Netherlands." 

The Later Literature of the East. — Our later literature 
has not shown the power of the literature of the time already 
portrayed. There has been much more writing, and much 
effort has been expended in developing new forms and in 
adapting old ones, but recently there has been no author whose 
writings showed the solid v/orth of the great authors of our 
first golden days. In the East Bayard Taylor (1825-1878) 
shows the best achievement for this period. He is the author 
of several very interesting books of travel. After walking 
through the most interesting countries of Europe he wrote 
"Views Afoot." He visited nearly every inhabited part of the 
globe and wrote books about what he saw. 



xiv 



APPENDIX A. 



Of his novels "Hannah Thurston" and "The Story of 
Kennett " may be mentioned. 

But it was in poetry that Taylor was most ambitious. He is 
the author of a large volume of poetry and of a volume of 
"Dramatic Works." Some of his short poems — notably 
" Amran's Wooing " and the " Bedouin Love Song " — are 
strong in feeling and of exquisite workmanship. Many of his 
longer poems are rich in lyrical passages, and they show a 
thorough knowledge of poetical forms ; but they often lack 
the complete majesty of the theme upon which they are written. 
Thomas Bailey Aldrich is the most exquisite of our lyric poets. 
His verse is of the simple and apparently spontaneous kind 
that requires so much art in the writing and reads so easily 
and musically that it sings itself into the memory at once. 
" Baby Bell," a touching account of the death of a little girl, 
has secured a permanent place in our literature. " The Story 
of a Bad Boy " describes in prose mischievous juvenile pranks 
highly interesting to boys both young and old. 

But the largest part of the writing of this time is fiction. 
Novels with all sorts of themes from all sorts of people are 
being continually issued. Even schisms have arisen, and 
writers profess themselves of this or that school. Of the so- 
called "realists," Henry James and W. D. Howells are the 
chief American representatives. 

The novels of Henry James are used largely to contrast 
national customs. " The American," " The Europeans," 
" Daisy Miller " are of this international type, — a class of 
novels for which James himself in these very books set the 
model. " The Portrait of a Lady," " The Bostonians," 
" Princess Cassamassia " incidentally depict national peculiar- 
ities, but their chief force is spent upon the analysis of 
character. His novels seldom have a plot and they often end 
in what seems to be the middle of the story. The interest of his 
work lies in the bright, witty dialogue and in the keen, subtle 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. 



XV 



dissection of motive. The author is a literary critic who 
speaks from wide culture, and with great power of discrimina- 
tion and rare delicacy of statement. His " Nathaniel Haw- 
thorne," in the English Men of Letters series, is a sympathetic 
study of our great romancer. 

Mr. Howells was born in Ohio of poor but ambitious 
parents. He learned to set type and helped to " edit " a 
country newspaper. His 
boyhood was spent in 
hard work. In a series of 
articles recently printed, 
entitled "A Boy's Town," 
one may learn of these 
early experiences. From 
newspaper work he under- 
took magazine sketches, 
and finally he became a 
novelist. He was for 
years editor of the "At- 
lantic Monthly." Later 
he edited a department 
of literary criticism in 
"Harper's Monthly." 
He is thoroughly identi- 
fied with America, and 

nearly all of his novels are studies of American life. "The 
Lady of the Aroostook," "A Modern Instance," "Dr. Breen's 
Practice," " The Rise of Silas Lapham " are among his best 
stories. He is the author of several bright comedies and 
farces, such as "The Mouse Trap," " The Garroters," "The 
Counterfeit Presentment." 

Julian Hawthorne' s views of fiction are very different from 
those held by the " realists." He seeks to set before us 
stirring examples that shall spur us to higher endeavor. He is 




xvi 



APPENDIX A. 



willing to tell us a story that has a beginning and an end. He 
tries to portray our highest inner nature. In working to this 
end he ignores the conventional, e very-day acts which are 
common to all men and do not, therefore, reveal character. 
He seeks rather to try his men and women by crucial tests. 
Therefore his plots involve great crimes, profound expiation, 
glorious moral victory, deep condemnation. " Bressant," 
"Idolatry," "Sebastian Strome," "Fortune's Fool," "Sinfire" 
are novels that reveal the soul of man in tragic situations. 

F. Mai'ion Crawford may be classed with the " Romantic " 
school. He is not above telling a good old-fashioned love 
story. His heroes are noble chivalrous men, his heroines are 
lovely women ; and sooner or later, whatever the vicissitudes 
along the way, the knight wins the lady and the couple are 
happy ever afterward. " Mr. Isaacs," " Saracenesca," " The 
Roman Singer " are three popular books from his long list of 
popular books. 

Though Frank R. Stockton imitates the plausible manner of 
the Realists he imagines plots that are far removed from daily 
experience. In "Negative Gravity" he suspends a man evenly 
balanced in mid air. In "The Transferred Ghost" a spirit 
comes back to earth and plays a lively part in the love- 
experiences of two people. In another story a spirit is brought 
to earth and embodied in a young man, and after that it is dis- 
embodied or reembodied at will. The author has written 
several charming stories for children. 

The Beginning in the West. — The West was necessarily 
late in adding anything to our literature ; but its beginning, 
when at last the hour arrived, was notable. Its first authors 
extended their local reputations to the East, and, for various 
reasons, are conspicuous among the American authors known 
in Europe. The West possesses a worthy poet in Joaquin 
Miller, He loves her vast solitudes, her virgin forests, her 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. Xvii 

rugged sierras ; he professes himself, and is, indeed, a sym- 
pathetic child of this wild region. His poems express fire and 
passion, and unbounded self-confidence ; they show a free spirit 
untrammeled by convention or tradition. They are musical 
and eloquent, often dramatic. 

Bret Harte shares with Miller the honor and the profit of 
revealing the West to the East. He spent some time on the 
Pacific slope in the years when mining for precious metals was 
the chief occupation of the people. His sketches of the wild 
life of this region at this time are among the most entertaining 
short stories in the language. "How Santa Claus came to 
Simpson's Bar " tells how the rude miners were touched by a 
child's pathetic reference to Christmas and Santa Claus. "The 
Luck of Roaring Camp " was a baby, and the interest the 
miners felt in it was the cause of the reformation of the camp. 
Gamblers, stage-drivers, saloon-keepers, parsons, miners play 
picturesque parts in his stories. He has written some long 
stories, but was not successful with them. 

Mark Twain is the humorist of this region. In " Roughing 
It " and in several short sketches he has shown the laughable 
side of the prospector's life. But the West is not his only field. 
"The Innocents Abroad," a story of a trip through Europe, 
made the author's reputation, and nothing he has written has 
surpassed it. 

Edward Eggleston, in his " Hoosier Schoolmaster," "The 
Circuit Rider," "Roxy," etc., gives us a portrayal of pioneer 
life in Indiana and Illinois that is faithful to the minutest detail. 
He has also written several books that are favorites with young 
people. 

The Renewal in the South. — The first poet in the South 
in point of time and in fame is Poe, already noticed. Con- 
temporary with him, and living many years after his death, 
was the South's most assiduous man of letters in the period 



XVlll 



APPENDIX A. 



preceding the War ; namely, William Gilmore Simms. He 
edited Shakespeare, printed political articles, prepared histories, 
biographies, and criticisms, and wrote a number of novels of 
adventure with the scenes laid in the Southern states and the 
motives founded on the traditions or histor}^ of the same region, 
John Esten Cooke, in Virginia, published before the War "The 
Virginia Comedians," a novel depicting the ante-bellum life of 
the Southern planter. Hen?'y Tivirod, a South Carolina poet 
who wrote warm, vivid verse, contributed to the Souiherji 
Littrary Messe?iger, of which Poe was, at one time, editor. 
With the exception of the pathetic poems of Father Ryan, the 
Laureate of the Lost Cause, and occasional war lyrics from 
Paid Hamilton Hayjie, who had previously published some noble 

poems, and Cooke's 




Sidney Lanier 



ness of time this desolated Eden 

^ By permission of Charles Scribner's Sons. 



account of the great 
struggle, the \A'ar silenced 
all voices in the South. 
The singer was too sad 
to sing ; the dramatist, 
torn and bleeding, had 
no heart for mimic tra- 
gedy ; the novelist was 
overwhelmed with a 
calamity in real life. 
But the South is full of 
color ; it is bright with a 
charming colonial his- 
tory; it is peopled with 
the descendants of 
picturesque races : elo- 
quence and poetr}' are 
natural to it: in the full- 
began to blossom again. 



AN OUTLINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. 



xix 



The greatest poet in the South in recent years, and one of 
the most original America has produced, is the Georgia poet, 
Sidney Lanier. He made an exhaustive study of the structure 
of English verse, and elaborated a new theory as to its con- 
struction. He was a critic who applied fundamental tests with 
great keenness. No American poet has excelled him in melody, 
— comparing total products, no one has equalled him. His 
" Song of the Chattahoochie " is as musical as Tennyson's 
" Brook." Many English critics think him our greatest artist ; 
his own countrymen — except here and there — have not found 
him out yet ; but his day will come. Still younger poets are 
Willie Hayne, Madison Cawein, and Robert Burns Wilson^ who 
are just beginning to try their voices. 

In fiction some strong work is being done. Thomas Nelson 
Page is in this day the South's best representative man of 
letters. His "Marse 
Chan " and " Meh Lady " 
are two of the strongest 
short stories of recent 
years. He has written 
numbers of others 
("Elsket," "Polly," "Ole 
Stracted," etc.) not quite 
so good as these, perhaps, 
but very good indeed. 
Many of these stories are 
told in negro dialect ; all 
of them are stories of 
Southern life. His vol- 
ume "The Old South" is 
a collection of studies of 
the conditions of life in 

"Old Virginia "and of the Thomas Nelson Page. 

1 By permission of Charles Scribner's Sons. 




problems of the present day. James Lane Allen in " Flute and 
Violin " has given us a collection of short stories that deal in a 
poetic way with pathetic themes. His "Blue Grass Region" 
is an interesting account of the methods of life of his native 
state. George W. Cable in "The Grandissimes," "Bonaventure," 
"Old Creole Days," etc., presents studies of some Southern 
subjects. "In the Tennessee Mountains," "Down Lost Creek," 
"The Ha'nt that Walks Chilhowee" are intense tragedies of the 
simple but passionate mountaineers of Tennessee. They are 
written by Miss Murfree, who gained her fame under the pseu- 
donym of Charles Egbert Craddock. Joel Chandler Harris finds 
some recompense for the negro, who has cost the South so 
much, in the fables that spring from his simple, credulous, and 
sometimes poetic imagination. His "Uncle Remus" has been 
read by young people and by old people with young hearts, all 
over the land. 



APPENDIX B. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Preamble. 

We, the people of the United States, ^ in order to form a more 
perfect union, estabhsh justice, insure domestic tranquilHty, provide 
for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the 
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and 
estabhsh this Constitution for the United States of America. 



ARTICLE I. — LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 
Section i. — Congress. 

All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress 
of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of 
Representatives. 

1 As originally adopted by the convention, this clause began with the words, " We, 
the people of the States oT New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island . , . ," 
etc., naming each of the thirteen. But as it was agreed that only nine states ratifying 
should be sufficient to establish the Constitution between themselves, and as it was 
impossible to foretell which states would compose the number ratifying, the language 
of the preamble was changed to a general term to include the people of such states as 
should favor the new government. 

The Articles of Confederation were established by the states, acting in most 
instances through their Legislatures ; the Constitution was established by the states, 
acting in all cases through conventions of their people. 



XXll • APPENDIX B. 



Section 2. — House of Representatives. 

The House of Representatives shall be composed of members 
chosen every second year by the people of the several States, and 
Election of electors ^ in each State shall have the quahfications 

Members. requisite for electors^ of the most numerous branch of 
the State Legislature. 

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to 
the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a 

Qualifications. 

Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when 
elected, be an inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the 
several States which may be included within this Union, according 

to their respective numbers,^ which shall be determined 
Apportionment. ^^j^jj^ig ^^le whole number of free persons, including 
those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not 
taxed, three-fifths of all other persons.^ The actual enumeration shall 
be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of 
the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in 
such manner as they shall by law direct. The number of represen- 
tatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each State 
shall have at least one representative : and until such enumeration 
shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to 
choose three ; Massachusetts, eight ; Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations, one ; Connecticut, five ; New York, six ; New Jersey, 
four ; Pennsylvania, eight; Delaware, one ; Maryland, six; Virginia, 
ten ; North CaroHna, five ; South Carolina, five ; and Georgia, three. 
When vacancies happen in the representation from any State, the 

executive authority^ thereof shall issue writs of election 

Vacancies. 

to fill such vacancies. 

1 " Electors," meaning voters. Persons whom a state permits to vote for repre- 
sentatives in the lower House of its Legislature are here given the right to vote for 
representatives in Congress. 

2 At present (1895) there is one representative for every 173,901 persons. 

3 " Persons " here means slaves. The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments 
annul this provision. 

* Governor. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



XXIU 



The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and 
Officers. other officers ; and shall have the sole power of impeach- 

Impeachment. nient 



Section 3. — Senate. 

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators 
Number from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for 

of Senators : . ' , , „ , 

Election. SIX years ; and each senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the 
first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three 
classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall 

Classification. , , , .... , - , 

be vacated at the expiration of the second year ; of the 
second class, at the expiration of the fourth year ; of the third class, 
at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen 
every second year; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or other- 
wise, during the recess of the Legislature of any State, the executive^ 
thereof may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of 
the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the 
age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the 
United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an 



I 



inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. 

The Vice-President of the United States shall be president of the 
President of Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally 

Senate. divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president 
pro tejnpore^ in the absence of the Vice-President, or 
when he shall exercise the office of President of the 
United States. 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments : 
When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. 
Trials of When the President of the United States is tried, the 
Impeachment. Chief-Justice shall preside : and no person shall be con- 
victed without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. 

4 Governor. 



XXIV APPENDIX B. | 

I. 

Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than* 
to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any 
office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States ; 
in Case of but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and 
Conviction. subjcct to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, 
according to law. 



Section 4. — Both Houses. 

The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators 
and representatives shall be prescribed in each State by 

Manner of . , i <■ i i 

Electing the Legislature thereof ; but the Congress may at any 
Members. time, by law, make or alter such regulations, except as 
to the places of choosing senators, ^ 

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and sucl 

Meetings of 



meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless 



Congress. ^hey shall by law appoint a different day. 



Section 5. — The Houses Separately. 

Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifi- 
cations of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute 
a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may 

Organization. , . . , , , , , • i 

adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to com- 
pel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under 
such penalties, as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its 
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concur- 
rence of two-thirds, expel a member. 
Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time 
to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judg- 
ment require secrecy, and the yeas and nays of the 
members of either house on any question shall, at the 
desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. 



1 Otherwise, Congress would have power to fix the places of meeting of state legis- 
latures. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. XXV 

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the 
consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, 
Adjournment. Other place than that in which the two houses 

shall be sitting. 



Section 6. — Privileges and Disabilities of Members. 

The senators and representatives shall receive a compensation ^ for 
their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury 
of the United States. They shall in all cases, except 

Pay and ^ ' ^ 

Privileges of treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged 
from arrest during their attendance at the session of 
their respective houses^ and in going to and returning from the same ; 
and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be ques- 
tioned in any other place. 

No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he 
was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of 
Prohibitions United States, which shall have been created, or the 

on Members, emoluments whereof shall have been increased, during 
such time ; and no person holding any ofifice under the United States, 
shall be a member of either house during his continuance in office. 



Section 7. — Method of Passing Laws. 

All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Repre- 
Revenue sentatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with 
Bills. amendments as on other bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives 
and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the 
„.„ President of the United States ; if he approve, he shall 

How Bills 

become sign it, but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, 

to that house in which it shall have originated, who shall 
enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to recon- 
sider it. If after such reconsideration, two-thirds of that house shall 



1 ^5000 a year, and twenty cents for every mile traveled by direct route to and 
from the capital. 



xxvi 



APPENDIX B. 



agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to 
the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if 
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in 
all such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas 
and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against the 
bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any 
bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays 
excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be 
a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by 
their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be 
a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the 
Senate and House of Representatives may be* necessary (except on a 
Resolutions question of adjournment) shall be presented to the Presi- 
dent of the United States ; and before the same shall 
take effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, 
shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the 
case of a bill. 



Section 8. — Powers Granted to Congress. 
The Congress shall have power: 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the 
Powers of debts and provide for the common defense and general 
Congress. welfare of the United States ; but all duties, imposts, and 
excises shall be uniform throughout the United States ; A 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States ; " 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several 
States, and with the Indian tribes; 

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, ^ and uniform law 
on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States ; 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, an 
fix the standard of weights and measures ; 



1 The legal process by which a foreigner becomes entitled to the rights and privi- 
leges of a citizen of the United States. i 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. XXvii 



To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and 
current coin of the United States ; 

To establish post-offices and post-roads ; 

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing, for 
limited times, to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their 
respective writings and discoveries ; ^ 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high 
se'as, and offenses against the law of nations ; 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, ^ and make 
rules concerning captures on land and water ; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to 
that use shall be for a longer term than two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces ; 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the 
Union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions. 

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and 
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of 
the United States, reserving to the States respectively the appoint- 
ment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according 
to the discipline prescribed by Congress ; 

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over such 
district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of partic- 
ular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the 
government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over 
all places purchased by the consent of the Legislature of the State in 
which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, 
dockyards, and other needful buildings ; — And 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying 
Implied '^^^^ execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers 
Powers. vested by this Constitution in the government of the 

United States, or in any department or officer thereof. 

^ Authors secure " copyrights " on their writings ; inventors, " patents " on their 
inventions. 

2 Letters granted by the government to private citizens in time of war, authorizing 
them, under certain conditions, to capture the enemy's ships. 



XXVlll 



APPENDIX B. 



Section 9. — Powers Forbidden to the United States. 

The migration or importation of such persons as any of the States 
Absolute existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be 

Prohibitions prohibited by the Congress prior to the year one thousand 

on Congress. • i i i i i • i i i , 

eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be im- 
posed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person.^ 
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus ^ shall not be suspended, 
unless when in cases of rebeUion or invasion the public safety may 
require it. 

No bill of attainder ^ or ex-post-f acto law ^ shall be passed. 

No capitation^ or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion 
to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State. 

No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or 
revenue to the ports of one State over those of another ; nor shall 
vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay 
duties in another. 

No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of 
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of 
the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be pubhshed 
from time to time. 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : And no 
person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without 
the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, 
or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state,] 

1 " Persons " meaning slaves; in 1808 Congress prohibited the importation oh 
slaves. 

2 An ofificial document requiring an accused person who has been imprisoned 
awaiting trial to be brought before a judge to inquire whether he may be legally held. 

3 An act of a legislative body inflicting the death penalty without trial. 

4 A law relating to the punishment of acts committed before the law was passed. 

5 Capitation tax, poll tax. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



xxix 



Section io. — Powers Forbidden to the States. 

No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation ; 
J ^ grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit 

Prohibitions bills of Credit ; make anything but gold and silver coin a 
tender in payment of debts ; pass any bill of attainder, 
ex-post-facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or 
grant any title of nobility- 
No State shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts 
or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely neces- 
Conditional ^^^^ executing its inspection laws ; and the net prod- 
Prohibitions uce of all duties and imposts, laid by any State on imports 

on the States. i n i r i r i <• i 

or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the 
United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and 
control of the Congress. 

No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of 
tonnage, keep troops, or ships-of-war, in time of peace, enter into 
any agreement or compact with another State, or with a foreign 
power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent 
danger as will not admit of delay. 



ARTICLE II. — EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 

Section i. — President and Vice-President. 

The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United 
States of America. He shall hold his office during the 
term of four years, and, together with the Vice-President, 
chosen for the same term, be elected, as follows : 

Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of 
senators and representatives to which the State may be 

Electors. • i i • i ^ i 

entitled m the Congress : but no senator or represen- 
tative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United 
States, shall be appointed an elector. 



XXX 



APPENDIX B. 



[1 The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by 
ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant 
of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a list of all 
the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which 
list they shall sign and certify and transmit sealed to the 

Proceedings of ° •' 

Electors and seat of the government of the United States, directed to 
of Congress, president of the Senate. The president of the Senate 

shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The 
person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, if 
such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; 
and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an 
equal number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall 
immediately choose by ballot one of them for President ; and if no 
person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list the said 
house shall, in like manner, choose the President. But in choosing 
the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the representation 
from each State having one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall 
consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the States, and a 
majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice. In every 
case, after the choice of the President, the person having the greatest 
number of votes of the electors shall be the Vice-President. But if 
there should remain two or more who have equal votes, the Senate 
shall choose from them by ballot the Vice-President.] 

The Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and 
Time of the day on which they shall give their votes ; which day 

choosing . 

Electors. shall be the same throughout the United States. ^ 

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United 
Qualifications States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, 
of President. ^\^^\\ eligible to the office of President ; neither 
shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have 



1 This paragraph in brackets has been superseded by the Twelfth Amendment, 

2 The electors are chosen on the Tuesday following the first Monday in Novembei 
next before the expiration of a presidential term. They vote (by Act of Congress 
Feb. 3, 1887) on the second Monday in January following, for President and Vice-^ 
President. The votes are counted, and declared in Congress on the second Wednes- 
day of the next February. 



J 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



xxxi 



attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years 
resident within the United States. 

In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the 
said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-President, 

V^c3,ncy 

and the Congress may by law provide for the case of 
removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of the President and 
Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as President ; 
and such officer shall act accordingly until the disabihty be removed, 
or a President shall be elected. 

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com- 
pensation ^ which shall neither be increased nor diminished during 

the period for which he shall have been elected, and he 
Salary. shall not receive within that period any other emolument 

from the United States, or any of them. 

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the 
following oath or affirmation: — "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) 

that I will faithfully execute the office of President of 

the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, 
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." 



Section 2. — Powers of the President. 

The President shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy 
of the United States, and of the militia of the several States, when 
called into the actual service of the United States : he 

Military 

Powers. may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal 

Reprieves officer in each of the executive departments, upon any 
and Pardons. g^i^jgQi- relating to the duties of their respective offices ; 
and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses 
against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present 
concur ; and he shall nominate, and by and with the 
advice and consent of the Senate shall appoint ambassa- 
dors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, 



The President now receives ^50,000 a year; the Vice-President, ^8000 



XXXll 



APPENDIX B. 



and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are 
Appoint- herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be 

ments. established by law : but the Congress may by law vest 

the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the 
President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. 

The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may 
Pjj^ happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting 

Vacancies. commissions which shall expire at the end of their next 
session. 



Section 3. — Duties of the President. 

He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the 
state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such 
measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he 
Message. ^r^^Lj, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses, 
or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them with 
respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such 
Convene ^^^^ ^^^^^ think proper ; he shall receive ambassa- 

Congress. ^q^^ ^ind Other public ministers ; he shall take care that 
the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers 
of the United States. 



Section 4. — Impeachment. 

The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the United 
Removal of States, shall be removed from office on impeachment 
Officers. fQj.^ and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high 
crimes and misdemeanors. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, XXXlll 



ARTICLE III.— JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 

Section i. — United States Courts. 

The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one 
Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from 
time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of 
Established. the Supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices 
Judges. during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive 

for their services a compensation ^ which shall not be diminished 
during their continuance in office. 

Section 2. — Jurisdiction of United States Courts. 



The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, 
arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and 
treaties made, or which shall be made, under their 

Federal 

Courts in authority ; — to all cases affecting ambassadors, other 
public ministers, and consuls ; — to all cases of admiralty 
and maritime jurisdiction ; — to controversies to which the United 
States shall be a party; — to controversies between two or more 
States ; — between a State and citizens of another State ; ^ — between 
citizens of different States ; — between citizens of the same State 
claiming lands under grants of different States, and between a State, 
or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and con- 
suls, and those in which a State shall be party, the Supreme Court 
Supreme shall have original jurisdiction. In all other cases before 
Court. mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate juris- 

diction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions and under such 
regulations as the Congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by 
jury ; and such trial shall be held in the State where the said crimes 
shall have been committed ; but when not committed 
within any State, the trial shall be at such place or 
places as the Congress may by law have directed. 

1 The chief justice of the Supreme Court receives $10,500 a year : the associate 
justices, $10,000. 2 But compare Amendment XI. 



xxxiv 



APPENDIX B, 



Section 3. — Treason. 

Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying 
Treason "^^^ against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving 
Defined. them aid and comfort. 

No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony 
of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. 
The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of 
treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corrup- 
tion of blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the 
person attainted. 



ARTICLE IV. — RELATIONS OF THE STATES TO 
EACH OTHER. 

Section i. — Official Acts. 

Full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public acts, 
records, and judicial proceedings of every other State. And the 
Congress may by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such 
acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. 



Section 2 Privileges of Citizens. 

The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and 
immunities of citizens in the several States. 

A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, 
who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall, on 
Fugitives demand of the executive authority of the State from 
from Justice, which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the 
State having jurisdiction of the crime. 

No person 1 held to service or labor in one State, under the laws 
thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or 
Fugitive regulation therein, be discharged from such service or 
Slaves. labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to 

whom such service or labor may be due. 



1 " Person " here includes slave. This was the basis of the Fugitive-Slave Law. It 
is now superseded by Amendment XIII. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. XXXV 



Section 3. — New States and Territories. 

New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ; 
but no new State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of 
Admission Other State ; nor any State be formed by the junction 

of States. Qf Qj- jYiore States, or parts of States, without the 
consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the 
Congress. 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful 
^ rules and regulations respecting the territory or other 

and Property property belonging to the United States ; and nothing in 
this Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice 
any claims of the United States, or of any particular State. 



Section 4. — Protection of the States. 

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a 
republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against 
invasion, and on application of the Legislature, or of the Executive 
(when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic violence. 



ARTICLE V. — AMENDMENTS.. 

The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it 
necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the 
application of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several 
Proposed. States, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, 
which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as 
part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three- 
fourths of the several States, or by conventions in three-fourths 
How thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may 

Ratified. proposed by the Congress ; provided that no amend- 

ment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred 
and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the 
ninth section of the first article ; and that no State, without its con- 
sent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. 



xxxvi 



APPENDIX B. 



ARTICLE VI. — GENERAL PROVISIONS. 

All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the 
adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against 
the United States under this Constitution, as under the 
confederation. 

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall 
be made in pursuance thereof ; and all treaties made, or which shall 
Supremacy of made, under the authority of the United States, shall 
<:onstitution. supreme law of the land ; and the judges in every 

State shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of 
any State to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the mem- 
bers of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial 
. , , officers, both of the United States and of the several 

Official oath. 

States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support 
Religious test. ^^.^^ Constitution ; but no religious test shall ever be 
required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the 
United States. 



ARTICLE VII. — RATIFICATION OF THE 
CONSTITUTION. 

The ratification of the Conventions of nine States shall be sufficient 
for the establishment of this Constitution between the States so rati- 
fying the same. 

Done in convention, by the unanimous consent of the States 
present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, 
and of the independence of the United States of America 
the twelfth. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, 
President, and Deputy from Virginia. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. XXXvii 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

John Langdon, 
Nicholas Oilman. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 
Nathaniel Gorham, 
RuFus King. 

CONNECTICUT. 
William Samuel Johnson, 
Roger Sherman. 

NEW YORK. 

Alexander Hamilton. 

NEW JERSEY. 

William Livingston, 
David Brearley, 
William Paterson, 
Jonathan Dayton. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 
Benjamin Franklin, 
Thomas Mifflin, 
Robert Morris, 
George Clymer, 
Thomas Fitzsimons, 
Jared Ingersoll, 
James Wilson, 
gouverneur morris. 

DELAWARE. 

George Read, 
Gunning Bedford, Jr., 
John Dickinson, 
Richard Bassett, 
Jacob Broom. 

MARYLAND. 
James M'Henry, 
Daniel of St. Thomas 

Jenifer, 
Daniel Carroll. 



VIRGINIA. 

John Blair, 
James Madison, Jr. 

NORTH CAROLINA, 

William Blount, 
Richard Dobbs Spaight, 
Hugh Williamson. 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

John Rutledge, 
Charles C. Pinckney, 
Charles Pinckney, 
Pierce Butler. 

GEORGIA. 

William Few, 
Abraham Baldwin. 



Attest: WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary, 



AMENDMENTS. 



Article I.^ — Congress shall make no law respecting an estab- 
Religion, Hshment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise 
Assembly thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the 
Petition. press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, 
and to petition the government for redress of grievances. 

Article II.- — A well-regulated mihtia being necessary to the 
security of a free State the right of the people to keep and 
bear arms shall not be infringed. 
Article III. — No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered 
in any house, without the consent of the owner ; nor in 

Soldiers. . ^ , . , -i i i ■. 

tmie of war but m a manner to be prescribed by law. 



1 The first ten amendments were proposed by Congress in 1 789, and adopted in 
1 791. They are often called the Bill of Rights, and they are intended to guard more 
efficiently the rights of the people and of the states. See § 339. 



XXXVlll 



APPENDIX B. 



Article IV. — The right of the people to be secure in their 
persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches 
Unreasonable ^^'^ Seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall 
Searches. issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or 
affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and 
the persons or things to be seized. 

Article V. — No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or 
otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a 
Criminal grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval 
Prosecutions, forccs, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of 
war and public danger ; nor shall any person be subject for the same 
offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall be com- 
pelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor to be 
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law ; nor 
shall private property be taken for public use, without just compen- 
sation. 

Article VI. — In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall 
enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of 
the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, 
which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to 
be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be con- 
fronted with the witnesses against him ; to have compulsory process 
for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of 
counsel for his defense. 

Article VII. — In suits at common law, where the value in con- 
g ^ troversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by 

Common jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall 
be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United 
States than according to the rules of common law. 

Article VIII. — Excessive bail shall not be required, nor exces- 
sive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments 

Punishments. inflicted. 

Article IX. — The enumeration in the Constitution of certain 
riorhts shall not be construed to deny or disparage others 

Reserved * J f a 

Rights and retained by the people. 

Powers 

Article X. — The powers not delegated to the United 
States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are 
reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. XXxix 



Article XI.^ — The judicial power of the United States shall not 

be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, corn- 
judicial 

Power menced or prosecuted against any of the United States 

by citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of 
any foreign state. 

Article XI I. ^ — The electors shall meet in their respective States, 
and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at 
least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves; 
they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and 
in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President ; and they 
shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of 
Method of persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the number 

pSidfnt and votcs for each, which list they shall sign and certify, 
Vice-President, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the 
United States, directed to the president of the Senate ; — the president 
of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of 
Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then 
be counted ; — the person having the greatest number of votes for 
President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the 
whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have such 
majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not 
exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House 
of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. 
But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the 
representation from each State having one vote ; a quorum for this 
purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the 
States, and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice. 
And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President 
whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the 
fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act 
as President as in the case of the death or other constitutional dis- 
ability of the President. The person having the greatest number of 
votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number 
be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no 
person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the 

1 Proposed in 1794 ; adopted 1798. 

2 Adopted 1804. 



xl 



APPENDIX B. 



list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President ; a quorum for the 
purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of senators, 
and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. 
But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President 
shall be ehgible to that of Vice-President of the United States. 

Article XIII.i — Section i. Neither slavery nor involuntary 
Slavery Servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the 

Abolished. party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within 
the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. 

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by 
appropriate legislation. 

Article XIV.- — Section i. All persons born or naturalized in 
the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens 
Negroes made ^^^^ United States and of the State wherein they reside. 
Citizens. jsJq State shall make or enforce any law which shall 
abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States ; 
nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, 
without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its juris- 
diction the equal protection of the laws. 

Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several 
States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole 
number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But 
when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for 
President and Vice-President of the United States, representatives in 
Congress, the executive or judicial officers of a State, or the members 
of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of 
such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United 
States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion 
or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in 
the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to 
the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such 
State. 

Section j. No person shall be a senator or representative in 
Congress, or elector of President or Vice-President, or hold any 
office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, 
who having previously taken an oath as a member of Congress, or as 



Adopted 1865. 2 Adopted 1868. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



xli 



an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State Legis- 
lature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support 
the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insur- 
rection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the 
enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each 
house, remove such disability. 

Section 4.. The validity of the public debt of the United States, 
authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions 
and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, 
shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State 
shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insur- 
rection or rebelhon against the United States, or any claim for the 
loss or emancipation of any slave ; but all such debts, obhgations, 
and claims shall be held illegal and void. 

Section j. Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate 
legislation, the provisions of this article. 

Article XV. ^ — Section i. The rights of citizens of the United 
Negroes States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the 

Made Voters. United States, or by any State, on account of race, color, 
or previous condition of servitude. 

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by 
appropriate legislation. 

1 Adopted 1870, 



INDEX. 



Abolition crusade, the, 288, 289. 

movement, 1837-40, 295. 

Abolitionists, tenets of the, 289. 
Acadia, 114. 

Acadians, expulsion of the, 117. 
Adams, John, sketch of, 235. 

administration of, 235-240. 

Adams, John Quincy, election of, 271. 
administration, 272-277; sketch of, 

277, 278 ; policy, 274, 275. 
Alabama, admission of, 266 ; ceded to the 

United States, 214. 
Alabama, the Kearsarge and the, 384. 
Alabama claims, 404, 405. 
Alamance, battle of, 160. 
Alamo (Ah'la-mo), massacre at, 302. 
Alaska, purchase of, 401. 
Albany, N. Y., 47 ; settled, 100. 
Albemarle Sound, settlement at, 68. 
Algonquins (Al-gon'kin), the, 3. 
Alien and Sedition laws, 239. 
Altamaha River, 73. 

America, discovery of, 21 ; name of, 29, 49. 

four hundred years ago, i. 

America, North, physical features of, i, 2. 
Amerigo Vespucci (Ah-ma-re'go Ves-poot- 
che), 29. 

Anarchist troubles in Chicago, 426. 

Anderson, Maj., at Fort Sumter, 348, 349. 

Andersonville prison, 385. 

Andre (An 'dray). Major, capture and execu- 
tion of, 199. 

Andros, Sir Edmund, government of, in 
Mass., 88 ; in Connecticut, 90, 91 ; gover- 
nor of N. E., 96; deposed, 97; in N. Y., 
102. 

Annapolis convention, the, 218. 
Anti-Federalists, the, 227. 
Anti-slavery societies, 289. 
Antietam (An-tee'tam), battle of, 366, 367, 
368. 

Apaches (Ah-pah'chay), the, 3. 
Appointments to ofifice, 419. 
Appomattox Court-House, surrender of Lee 
at, 387. 

Arbuthnot, execution of, 266. 

Armbrister, execution of, 266. 

Arnold, Benedict, expedition to Canada, 
169; on Lake Champlain, 180; at Fort 
Stanwix, 182 ; at Saratoga, 182 ; treason 
of, 198, 199 ; raids Virginia, 202 ; destroys 
towns in Connecticut, 204. 

Arthur, Chester A., nomination of, 417; life 
and services, 419, 420. 

A.shburton treaty, the, 299, 300. 



Ashe, Gen., 194. 
Ashley river, 70. 

Atlanta, Ga., Sherman's march on, 382 ; 

capture of, 383. 
Atlanta exposition, the, 422. 
Atlantic cable, the, 401. 
Augusta, capture of, 194. 
Aztecs, the, 2. 

Bacon, 64. 

Bacon's rebellion, 62. 
Baffin's bay, discovery of, 43. 
Balboa discovers the Pacific, 31. 
Baltimore, population in colonial times, 136. 
Baltimore, attack on, in 1814, 261; convention 

at, in i860, 333 ; riot April 19, 1861, 350. 
Baltimore, Lord, in Maryland, 66-68. 
Banks, Gen., invades Texas, 374 ; defeated 

by Gen. Dick Taylor, 378. 
Bartholdi's (Bar-tohl'dy) statue of "liberty," 

427. ^ 
Bay psalm book, 129. 
" Bear flag revolutionists," 314. 
Beauregard (Bo'-re-gard), Gen., at Corinth, 

359- 

Behring, Vitus, 401. 

Behring sea arbitration, 437. 

Belknap, impeachment of, 409. 

Bell, John, nomination of, 333. 

Bemis heights, i8i. 

Bennington, battle of, 181. 

Berkeley, Gov., subdues Indians in Va., 
59; government of, in Va., 63 ; on free 
schools and the printing press, 140. 

Berkeley, Lord, grantee of New Jersey, 103. 

Bidwell, John, prohibition candidate, 434. 

Black Hawk war, 288, 317. 

Blackbeard, 64. 

Blaine, James G., nomination of, 423. 

Blair, Frank P., 403. 

Blair, Rev. James, 140. 

Bland Bill, the, 430. 

Blockade of Southern States, 350, 352. 

Blockade runners, 356. 

Boco Chico (Chee'co), Texas, battle of, 388. 

Bon Homme Richard, the, 192, 193. 

Bonneville (Bon'vil), Capt., 309. 

Boone, Daniel, 230, 231. 

Booth, John Wilkes, 388. 

Boston, evacuation of, 169 ; founded, 85. 

Boston fire, the, 406. 

Boston massacre, 159. 

Boston News-Letter, 132. 

Boston Port Bill, 161, 162. 

Boundaries fixed by treaty of 1783, 212. 



xliv 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Boundary dispute with Great Britain, 299, 
300. 

Braddock's defeat, 116. 

Bradford, William, 83. 

Bragg, Gen., succeeds Beauregard, 360 ; in- 
vades Tennessee, 360 ; defeats Rosecrans, 
375 ; defeat of, at Lookout Mountain, 376. 

Brandywine, battle of the, 184. 

Breckinridge, John C, nomination of, 334. 

Breton, Cape, 36. 

Brewster, Elder William, 81. 

Briar Creek, Ga., battle of, 194. 

Brock, Gen., 253. 

Brooklyn bridge, 422. 

Brown, John, raid, 332. 

Buchanan, James, administration of, 327- 
338 ; attitude of, towards Secession, 336. 

Bull Run, battle of, 353, 354 ; effect of, 355. 

second battle of, 366. 

Bunker Hill, battle of, 167, 168. 

Burgoyne, Gen., campaign of, 180-183 ; sur- 
render of, 182, 183. 

Bumside, Gen., succeeds McClellan, 369. 

Burr, Aaron, conspiracy of, 245. 

Butler, Gen. Benjamin F., at New Orleans, 
361 ; sent to James River, 376 ; operations 
on the James, 380 ; on employment of 
captured slaves, 391 ; nominated for the 
presidency by Anti-Monopolists, 423. 

Cabeza de Vaca (Kah-bay'thah day Vah'kah), 
33- 

Cabinet, the first, 228, 229. 

Cabot, John, 23-25 ; voyage, 25. 

Cabot, Sebastian, 25, 26. 

Calhoun, John C, proposes tax on imports, 

285 ; on nullification, 286, 287 ; speech on 

Compromise bill of 1850, 320. 
California, acquisition of, 313, 314. 
California question, 319. 
Calvert, Cecil, 66. 
George, 66. 

Cambridge, Mass., first printing in, 132. 

Camden, battle of, 196, 197. 

Campbell, William, 198. 

Canada Expedition, 169. 

Canada, invasion of, 1812,253 ; in 1813,255- 

258 ; in 1814, 259. 
Canals, activity in building, 273, 274. 
Canary Islands, 20. 
Cape Fear Settlement, 68. 
Capital, the national, 229 ; removal of, 236. 
Caravels, 20. 

Carolina, Huguenot settlements in, 37; 

charter of, 69 ; first proprietors of, 69 ; 

constitution, 6g ; misrule in, 70; fall of 

proprietary government, 70. 
" Carpet-baggers," the, 400 ; rule of the, 407. 
Carteret, Sir George, grantee of New Jersey, 

103. 

Cartier, Jacques (Zhack Kart-e-ay'), discov- 
ers the St. Lawrence, 37. 
Carver, Gov. John, 82, 83. 
Catholics in Georgia, 74 ; in Maryland, 65. 
Census, the eleventh, 434. 
Centennial Exposition, the, 410, 
Central America, ruins in, 2. 



Cerro (Thay'ro") Gordo, battle of, 312. 

Chad's Ford, 184. 

Champlain (Sham-plane'), 37. 

Champlain, Lake, battle of, 260. 

Chancellorsville, battle of, 370. 

Charles the Second, 62. 

Charles IX of France, 37. 

Charleston, S. C, settlement, 71 ; character 
of first settlers, 71 ; relative size in 1763, 
125 ; principal town in the South, 136 ; 
attack on, in 1776, 171 ; capture of, 195. 

earthquake in 1886, 427. 

Charter Oak, the, 90. 

Chattanooga, Gen. Bragg at, 360 ; siege of, 

Cheny Valley Massacre, 188. 

CJiesapeake, the, and the SJiannon, 254, 255. 

Chesapeake Bay, the English in, 65 ; French 

fleet in, 204. 
Chicago, the, 432. 
Chicago fire, the, 406. 
Chicago, World's Fair in, 436, 437. 
Chicamauga, battle of, 375. 
Chili, trouble with, in 1891, 431. 
Chinese immigration, 426. 
Chippewa, battle of, 259. 
Church customs in New England Colonies, 

Cincinnati, riot in, 1884, 423. 
Cipango (Che-pan go), island of, 25. 
Citizen, rights of the, under the Constitution, 
222. 

Civil Service under Jackson, 283. 

Civil Service reform, 420, 421. 

Clarke, George Rogers, expedition of, to the 
Illinois countrAS 190, 191. 

Clay, Henry, 251 ; and the Missouri com- 
promise, 268 ; duel with Randolph, 275 ; 
supports national bank, 284, 299 ; tariff 
policy of, 286, 287 ; Whig leader, 292 ; his 
compromise bill, 319, 320. 

Claybome, William, 66, 67. 

Cler7nont, the, 246. 

Cleveland, Grover, nomination of, 423 ; 

administration of, 424 ; defeat of, 428 ; 

reelected, 434. 
Cliff dwellers, the, 2. 

Clinton, Sir Henry, on the Carolina coast, 
170; supersedes Howe, 187; captures 
Charleston, 195. 

Cockbum, Admiral, 261. 

Cold Harbor, battle of, 380. 

Colfax, Schuyler (Sky-ler Cole-fax), nomin- 
ated for vice-president, 403. 

College of Pennsj'lvania, 144. 

Colonies, manners and customs, 124. 

Colonists, the first, 56. 

Colonization, English, 43-45. 

Colorado, admission of, 410. 

Columbia, S. C, burning of, 386. 

Columbia, District of, selected as seat of 
govt., 236 ; slavery in, 290. 

Columbia College, 144. 

Columbia river, 244 ; discovery of, 307. 

Columbus, Christopher, 16-23. 

Comanches, the, 3. 

Commercial difficulties, 249. 



it 



INDEX. 



xlv 



Compromise of 1S50, 319, 320. 
Comstock silver mines, 331. 
Concord, Mass., battle of, 163-166. 
Confederacy, defensive points of the, 351, 
352- 

Confederate States, organization of the, 337. 

Confederation, articles of, 211, 212, 217. 

Congress, burning of the, 362. 

Congress, formation of, 220, 221. 

See, also, Continental Congress, 

Stamp Act Congress. 
Connecticut Colony, settlement of, 89 ; 

unites with New Haven Colony, 90 ; 

charter, 90. 
Conscription Act, the, 376. 
Constitution, Federal, the, adoption of, 219: 

pro\-isions of the, 220-222 ; Northern and 

Southern \'iews of the, 339 : fourteenth 

amendment, 399 : fifteentli amendment, 

405. 

CoiistiUition, the, and the Gtierriere, 252. 

Constitutional convention at Annapolis, 
218: at Philadelphia, 21S, 219. 

"Constitutional Party," the, 333. 

Continental Congress, 162 ; second Con- 
gress, 16S ; powers of, 211. 

Continental Currency, 215, 216. 

" Contraband of War,'' 368. 

" Conway Cabal " (Ca-bal'), the, 1S6. 

Corinth, battle of, 360. 

Comwallis, Lord, 179, 184; in South Caro- 
lina, 196-19S : retreats to Virginia, 202 ; 
surrender of, 205. 

Coronado (Co-ro-nah'do), 33. 

Corruption, official, 408. 

Cortez in Mexico, 33. 

Cotton gin, the, 233. 

Cotton industr.-, growth of, 234. 

" Courtes}- of the Senate."' 419. 

Cowpens, battle of the, 200, 201. 

Credit Mobilier (Mo-beel'yer), the, 40S. 

Creek land troubles, 276, 277. 

Creek war, the, 259. 

" Crittenden Compromise," the, 336, 390. 
Crogan, Capt., defends Fort Stephenson, 
256. 

Cromwell, Lord Protector," 62. 
Croo'K, Gen., 379. 
Crown Point, 116. 

Cumberland road, the. 269, 275, 276. 
Cu7nberla7id, the, sinking of, 362. 
Currency, irregular standards in the various 
states, 216, 217. 

See Continental Currency. 

Custer, Gen., death of, 409. 

Da Gama (Dah Gah'mah), Vasco, 42. 

Daguerre (Dah-gair'), 296. 

Dakotahs, the, 3. 

Dark ages, the, 16. 

Dartmouth College founded, 132. 

Davenport, John, 90. 

Davis, Jefferson, in the compromise of 1850, 
320 ; elected president of the confederacy, 
337 ; capture of, 389 ; death, 389. 

Davis, John, 42. 

Dearborn, Gen., 255. 



Declaration of Independence, the, 172. 
Declaration of rights, the, 15S. 
De Grasse, Count, 203. 

Delaware, Swedes in, 48, 49 : settlement, 
106 ; claim to, 106, 107 ; province, 107. 

De Long, Capt., polar expedition of, 420. 

Democratic party in i860, 333. 

"Democratic simplicity," 242. 

Demonetization of silver, 409. 

De Monts (Da Mong') founds Port Royal, 37. 

De Soto, Ferdinand, 32, 33. 

Detroit, surrender of, 251. 

Dollar, silver, 216. 

Dorchester heights, 169, 170. 

Dorr Rebellion, the, 299. 

Douglas, Stephen A., on the Nebraska 
bill, 323 ; nomination of, 333. 

Douglas-Lincoln debate, 329-331. 

Draft riot in N. Y. city, 376. 

Drake, Sir Francis, voyages of, 40-42, 45. 

Dred Scott decision, 327, 328. 

Dress of the colonists, 131, 147. 

Drouth in 188 1, 422. 

Dutch explorations, 46, 47. 

customs in N. Y., 146, 147. 

in N. Y., 100, loi. 

patroons, 145. 

Protestants, 144. 

West India Company, 47. 

Duxbury, Standish house in, 84. 



Early, Gen., marches to Washington, 380. 
Earth, figure of the, 17. 
East India Company, 54. 
Jersey, 104. 

Education in the colonies, 132, 140, 141, 
144- 

Edwards, Jonathan, 134. 
Elections, see Presidential elections. 
Electoral commission of 1876, 412. 

votes, counting the, 426. 

Electric light, 417. 

Elk Horn, battle of, 359. 

Emancipation, proclamation of, 367, 391. 

Embargo, the, 244. 

Embassy to France in 1796, 237. 

Endicott, John, 84, 85. 

England, religious sects in, 71. 

difficulties with, in i8io, 249 

Emerson, Dr., 327. 

English, W. H., nomination of, 417. 

English claims to North America, 26, 45. 

colonies, territorial extent of, 124, 125. 

depredations on American commerce, 

245- , . 

explorations, 39. 

possessions in North America, iii ; 

" Era of good feeling," the, 265. 
Ericsson, Leif, 13-15. 

John, builds the ATonttor, 362. 

Erie canal, the, 269. 

Lake, battle of, 256, 257. 

Eutaw Springs, battle of, 202. 
Evangeline, poem, 117. 

Everett, Edward, nominated for vice-presi- 
dent, 333. 



Xlvi HISTORY OF 



Farragiit, Admiral, runs the fire of the con- 
federate forts, 361. 
Federal convention of 1787, the, 218, 219. 
Federalist, the, 248. 

party, downfall of, 262. 

Federalists, the, 226, 227. 
Ferguson, Gen., at King's mountain, 198. 
Field, Cyrus W., 401. 
Fifteenth amendment, the, 405. 
" Fifty-four forty or fight," 309. 
Fillmore, administration of, 318-320. 
Finances under the confederation, 215. 
Financial system, Hamilton's, 229. 
Fires, forest, in 1881, 422. 

great, 406. 

First legislative assembly, 60. 
Fisheries, the, 35, 36, 405. 
Floods in 1882, 422. 

Florida, discovery of, 30 ; conquest of, 32 ; 
Sir John Havk^kins's voyage to, ,40 ; pur- 
chase of, 266 ; admitted to the Union, 305 ; 
invasion of, 377. 

Florida, the, 385. 

Foote, Commodore, captures Fort Henry, 
358. 

Forrest, Gen., raid by, 378. 

Fort Brown, Texas, 310; Fort Donelson, 
358 ; Fort Duquesne (Du-kane'), 115-117 ; 
evacuation of, 11,8, 119; Fort Erie, siege 
of, 259, 260; Fort Frontenac, 118; Fort 
Henry, attack on, 261, 352, 358 ; Fort 
Jackson, capture of, 361 ; Fort Meigs 
(Meegs), siege of, 255, 256 ; Fort Mimms, 
massacre at, 259; Fort Necessity, sur- 
render of, 115; Fort Niagara, 116, 119; 
Fort Orange, 100 ; Fort PhilHps, 361 ; 
Fort Pillow, 359, 378 ; Fort Stanwix, siege 
of, 181, 182 ; Fort Stephenson, 256 ; Fort 
Sumter, bombardment and surrender of, 
348-350 ; effect of fall of, 31:0 : Fort Wil- 
liam Henry, 118. 

" Forty-niners," 316. 

Fourteenth amendment, 399. 

France, difficulties with, during Adams's 
administration, 237, 238, 249. See, also, 
under French. 

Franklin, Benjamin, 134. 

Franklin, battle of, 385. 

Franklin, state of, 214. 

Fredericksburg, battle of, 367. 

Fremont, Gen. John C, explores the Rocky 
mountains, 313 ; conquers California, 314. 

French alliance, 183. 

French and the Indians, 112. 

and Indian war, 1 14-120. 

claims to North America, 39. 

colonists, number of, iii. 

in North America, 36-39. 

power in America, downfall, 113. 

settlements in North America, limits, 

III. 

spoliations, 238. 

sympathizers, 1793, 232. 

traders, 38. 

wars, no. 

Frenchtown, battle of, 255. 
Frobisher, Martin, 42. 



COUNTRY. 



Frolic, the, capture of, 252. ^^^W 
Fugitive slave law, 320, 321. ^ 
Fulton, Robert, 246. 1 

Galvez, Governor, 191. 

Garfield, James A., administration of, 418, 
419 ; assassination of, 419. 

Garrison, William Lloyd, abolition advo- 
cate, 289, 290; publishes the Liberato7-, 
289. 

Gas, illuminating, 274. 

Gates, Gen., at Saratoga, 182 ; in the South, 

196-199. 
Genet (Zhen-ay ) citizen, 232. 
Genius, the, 289, 290. 

Genius of Universal Emancipation, the, 

289. 
Genoa, 18. 

Georgia, settlement and colonization, 72-75 ; 
territory of, 72 ; trustees of, 73 ; govern- 
ment of, 74 ; Whitefield and Wesley in, 74, 
75 ; Spanish invasions, 75 ; British army 
in, 196 ; rank of, in population, in 1763, 
125 ; the Creek lands question, 276, 277. 

Gerry (g as in get;, Elbridge, in France, 238s 

Gettysburg, battle of, 371, 372. 

Gilbert, Sir Humphrey, colonization expe- 
ditions, 43. 

Goffe, the " regicide," 95. 

Gold, discovery of, in California, 315. 

Gold fever of 1849, 3^5) 3^6. 

Gold seekers, 56. 

Goldsboro, battle of, 386. 

Gosnold, 53, 54, 55 ; voyage of, 45. 

Government, in the English colonies, 126. 

Grangers, Society of, 407. 

" Granite Road," the, 290, 291. 

Grant, Gen. U. S., captures Fort Donelson, 
358; Vicksburg, 373, 374; commands 
army of the west, 376 ; appointed lieuten- 
ant-general, 378 ; plan of campaign, 378, 
379 ; moves on Richmond, 379 : changes 
base of operations to the James, 381 ; 
forces Lee to surrender, 387 ; elected 
president, 402 ; administration of, 404-412 ; 
death, 425. 

Gray, Robert, discovers the Columbia river, 
307- 

" Great awakening," the, 96. 

Great Cham, the, 25. 

Great Eastern, the, 401. 

Great lakes, the French on the, 38. 

Greeley, Horace, nomination of, 407. 

Greely, Lieut., polar expedition of, 420. 

Greenback party, the. 417. 

Greene, Gen. Nathaniel, supersedes Gates, 

199 ; southern campaign of, 200-202. 
Guanahani (Gwah-nah-hahne') island, 21. 
Guerriere (Gher-re-air'), the, capture of, 252. 
Guilford Court House, Ijattle of, 201, 202. 
Guiteau (Git-to'), C. J., assassin, 419. 
Gustavus Adolphus, 48. 

Habeas Corpus, suspension of writ of, 350, 
376. 

Hadley, Mass., Indian attack, 95. 
Half Moon, the, 47. 



INDEX. 



xlvii 



Halleck, Gen., placed in command of Union 
army, 359 

Hamilton, Alexander, secretary of the treas- 
ury, 228 ; financial scheme of, 229. 
Hamlin, Hannibal, 323. 
Hampton, Gen., 255. 
Hampton Roads, 362, 363. 
Hancock, John, 168. 

Hancock, Gen. W. S., nomination of, 417. 

" Hannibal of the West," 190. 

Harmer, Gen., expedition of, against the 
Indians, 231. 

Harper's Ferry, John Brown at, 332 ; cap- 
ture of, 367. 

Harrison, Benjamin, nomination of, 429 ; 
character and services of, 430 ; adminis- 
tration, 430-435. 

Harrison, Gen. W. H., at Tippecanoe, 250; 
campaign in Michigan, 255, 256 ; in battle 
of the Thames, 257 ; elected president, 
297 ; death, 297. 

Hartford convention, the, 262. 

Hartford, founded, 89. 

Harvard College, 132. 

Hawaii (Hah-wi'e), revolution in, 433. 

Hawkins, Sir John, on the Florida coast, 
40. 

Hayes, Rutherford B., nomination of, 410 ; 

elected president, 412 ; administration, 

415-418 ; withdraws Federal troops from 

the South, 416. 
Hayne-Webster debate, 286. 
Hendricks, Thomas A., nomination of, 411, 

423 ; death, 425. 
Henry VII, 39. 

Henry, Patrick, 62 ; defiant speech, 155. 
Henry Letters, the, 250. 
Hobkirk Hill, 202. 

Holidays in Colonial New England, 131 ; in 

the Middle colonies, 147 ; in the Southern 

coloiiies, 139. 
Holland in the i6th and 17th centuries, 46. 
Hood, Gen. J. B., succeeds Johnston, 383; 

Tennessee campaign of, 383, 384. 
Hooker, Gen. Jos., supersedes Bumside, 

367. 

Hooker, Thomas, settles Hartford, 89. 
Hornet, the, and the Peacock, 254. 
Horseshoe Bend, battle of, 259. 
Houston (Hew'ston), Sam, 303. 
Howe, Gen., 176, 177. 
Hudson, Henry, voyage of, 42. 
Hudson's bay, 42. 

Hudson river, discovery, 11, 46, 47; cam- 
paign on the, 179, 180. 

Huguenots, massacre of the, 34 ; settle- 
ments of, in South Carolina and Florida, 
37- 

Hull, Capt. Isaac, 252. 
Hull, Gen. William, defeated at Detroit, 
251. 

Hutchinson, Gov., 158. 
Hutchinson, Anne, teachings of, 86. 

Idaho, admission of, 433. 
Illinois country, the Clarke's expedition to, 
in 1778, 190, 191. 



Impeachment proceedings against President 

Johnson, 400. 
Impressment of American seamen, 245, 250. 
Indian massacres in Virginia, 59. 
Indian tribes, classification of, 3. 
Indian wars, 7. 

Indiana admitted to the Union, 263. 
Indians, as allies, 9 ; characteristics, 9 ; 

clothing, 4 ; government and religion, 6 ; 

home life, 4 ; on the reservations, 10 ; 

lands of, 8 ; relations with the whites, 8 ; 

social distinctions among, 5 ; tortures 

by, 7-. 

Indians in the Southwest, 191. 

Internal improvements, 268, 269 ; John 

Quincy Adams's policy in regard to, 274, 

275 ; policy of Congress, 277. 
Interstate railroad commission, 426. 
Inventions, 416. 
Iowa, admission of, 305. 
Iron furnaces in Virginia, 135. 
Iron-clad oath, the, 400. 
Ironclads, 363. 

Iroquois (Ir'ro-quoy), the, 3, 112. 

Isabella, Queen, 20. 

Island No. 10, fall of, 359. 

Italy, trouble with, in regard to New 

Orleans riot, 431. 
luka, battle of, 360. 

Jackson, Gov. of Missouri, 355. 

Jackson, Gen. Andrew, in the Creek war, 
259 ; at New Orleans, in 1814, 263 ; in the 
Seminole war, 266 ; services of, 282 ; ad- 
ministration of, 282-292 ; treatment of the 
Nullifiers, 287. 

Jackson, " Stonewall," in the Shenandoah 
Valley, 364, 365 ; death of, 371. 

James river, 55. 

Jamestown, Va., settlement of, 45, 55, 56; 
sufferings of the settlers, 57 ; principal 
town in Va., 136 ; first church in, 140. 

Japan, treaty with, 326. 

Jasper, Sergeant, 171, 172, 195. 

Jay's treaty, 232, 233. . 

Jeannette, the, 420. 

Jefferson, Thomas, 62 ; and the declaration 
of independence, 173 ; secretary of state, 
228 ; elected president, 240 ; administra- 
tion of, 241-246 ; his plan for gradual ex- 
tinction of slavery, 267. 

Johnson, Andrew, governor of Tenn., 359; 
becomes president, 388 ; administration 
of, 397-404; impeachment of, 400, 401. 

Johnston, Gen. Albert Sidney, death of, 
358. 

Johnston, Gen. J. E., victorious at Bull 
Run, 354, 355 ; succeeded by Gen. Lee, 
364 ; opposes Sherman in Georgia, 382, 
386 ; surrenders, 388. 

Johnstown flood, the, 433. 

Jones, Paul, naval victory of, 192, 193. 



Kansas, the struggle for, 329, 330 ; admis- 
sion of, 331. 
Kansas-and-Nebraska Bill, 322-324. 



xlviii 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Kearney (Kar'ny), Gen., in New Mexico, 

Kene'saw^mountain, battle of, 382. 

Kentucky, becomes a state, 214; Indian 
massacres in, 231; admitted to the Union, 
232 ; adheres to the Union, 350. 

Kentucky Resolutions, the, 339. 

Kettle Creek, Ga., 194. 

Key, Francis S., 261. 

King George's war, 113, 114. 

King Philip's war, 94-98. 

King William's war, 113, 114. 

King's mountain, battle of, 198. 

Know-Nothing party, 325. 

Knox, Gen., secretary of war, 228. 

Ku Klux Klan, the, 407. 

Labor riots in 1877, 4^6. 

Labor troubles in 1886, 426. 

Lafayette, Gen., 183, 184 ; his visit to Amer- 
ica, 270, 271 ; in Virginia campaign, 202, 
203. 

La Salle (Lah-sahV) explores the Missis- 
sippi, 38, 39. 

Lawrence, Capt., attacks the Sltannofi, 254 ; 
death, 255. 

Lawrence, the, 256, 257. 

Laws of New England Colonies, 129. 

Lecompton Constitution, the, 329, 330. 

Lee, Gen. Charles, disobeys Washington, 
177, 178 ; rebuked, 187 ; suspended, 188. 

Gen. Henry, 200. 

Richard Henry, 172, 173. 

Gen. Robert E., assumes command 

of Army of Virginia, 364 ; invades Mary- 
land, 366, 367 ; defeats Hooker, 370, 371 ; 
invades Pennsylvania, 371 ; retreat of, 
372 ; repulses Grant in the Wilderness, 
380 ; surrender of, 387. 

Lees, the, 62. 

Leisler (Lise'ler), Jacob, governor of New 
York, 102. 

Lewis and Clarke Expedition, 244, 307. 

Lexington, battle of, 163-166. 

"Liberal Republicans," the, 407, 408. 

Liberator, the, 289, 290. 

Lincoln, Gen., 194; surrender of, 195, 196. 

Lincoln, Abraham, nomination, 333 ; elec- 
tion, 335 ; administration of, 347-387 ; 
issued Proclamation of Emancipation, 
368 ; reelection, 385 ; assassination of, 
387 ; his plan of reconstruction, 397, 398. 

Lincoln-Douglas debate, 329-331. 

Literature of New England Colonies, 132, 
133 ; in Southern Colonies, 141. 

" Log Cabin " candidate, 297. 

Locke, John, his " Fundamental Constitu- 
tions," 69, 72. 

Locomotive, the, 274. 

London Company, the, 54, 62. 

Long Island, battle of, 176. 

Lookout mountain, battle of, 376. 

Losses in the war between the states, 389, 
390. 

Louisburg, capture of, 114. 
Louisiana, purchase of, 243 ; admitted to the 
Union, 263 ; election dispute in 1876, 411. 



Louisiana, name applied by La Salle to the 

Mississippi Valley, 39. 
Lovejoy, Elijah, martyrdom of, 295, 
Lundy, Benjamin, early Abolitionist, 288. 
Lynchburg, Va., movement against, 380, 

381. 

Lyon, Matthew, imprisonment of, 239. 
Lyon, Gen., campaign of, in Missouri, 355, 
356- 

Madison, James, administration of, 247-271. 
Mafia (Mah-fee'ah), the, 432. 
Magellan, 31, 42. 

■ Straits of, 41. 

Magruder, Gen., 374. 

Maine, admission of, 268. 

Maiden, Mich., 255. 

Malvern Hill, battle of, 366. 

Manassas, battle of, 353, 366. 

Mansfield, battle of, 86. 

Marion, Gen. Francis, 196, 200. 

Marriages in the Southern Colonies, 139. 

Martin, Gen. Joseph, 191. 

Maryland, founders of, 65 ; settlement, 65- 

68 ; boundary dispute with Virginia, 66 ; 

religious troubles, 67. 
Maryland Gazette, the, 141. 
Mason, Capt. John, in Pequod war, 93. 
Mason and Dixon's Line, 67, 125. 
Mason and Slidell, capture of, 356. 
Massachusetts Bay Colony, 84-88. 
Massachusetts, rank in population in 1763, 

125 ; resolutions on Townshend Acts, 159 ; 

annulment of charter, 162. 
Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society, 324, 

^P^- ■ 
Massasoit, 94. 

Matagorda Bay, La Salle at, 39. 

Matamoras, capture of, 311. 

Mather, Increase, and witchcraft, 87. 

Maximilian, Emperor, 401. 

Mayflower, the, 81. 

Mayflower Compact, the, 82. 

McClellan, Gen. G. B., in West Virginia, 
353 ; assumes command of the Army of 
the Potomac, 363 ; his Peninsular cam- 
paign, 365, 366 ; nominated for president, 
385- 

McClure, Capt., 43. 

McCulloch, Gen. Ben., 359. 

McDonald, Gen., ig8. 

McDonough, Commodore, 260. 

McDowell, Gen. Irvin, at Bull Run, 354, 
355; threatens Richmond, 364; guards 
Washington City, 365. 

McEnery, Gov., 411. 

Mcintosh, Gen., death of, 276. 

McKinley Bill, the, 431- 

Meade, Gen., succeeds Hooker, 371 ; victo- 
rious at Gettysburg, 371, 372. 

Mecklenburg Declaration, the, 166, 167. 

Memphis, fall of, 359. 

Menendez,(May-nen'deth), Pedro de, foimds 
St. Augustine, 34 ; massacres Huguenots, 
in Carolina, 34. 

Merrimac, the, 362. 

Mexico, war with, 310-313; the French m,4oi. 



INDEX. 



xlix 



Mexico, City of, capture of, 3 13 . 

Mexico, Gulf of, La Salle in 39, 40. 

Middle Colonies, the, 99. 

Military government in the South, 399. 

Mill Spring, battle of, 358. 

Mills Bill, the, 428. 

Mineral discoveries, 331. 

Ministers' salaries in colonial Va., 155. 

Minnesota, admission of, 331. 

Missionary Ridge, battle of, 376. 

Missionaries, Roman Catholic, in North 
America, 38. 

Mississippi, ceded to U. S., 214. 

Mississippi river. Confederate defenses on 
the, 361 ; discovery by De Soto, 33 ; ex- 
ploration, 38, 39 ; floods in 1882, 422 ; 
navigation of, 214, 215 ; operations on the, 
in 1862, 359, 361. 

Missouri, campaign in 1861, 355, 356. 

Missouri " border ruffians," 325. 

Missouri Compromise, the, 267, 268, 319, 
323, 324 ; opinion of Supreme Court on, 
328, 329. 

Missouri Fur Company, 308. 

Mobile, Admiral Farragut in, 384. 

Modoc war, the, 409. 

Money system of Jefferson and Morris, 216. 
Monitor, the, and the Merrimac, 362. 
Monmouth, battle of, 187, 188. 
Monocacy (Mo-nok'-a-sy), battle of, 380. 
Monroe, James, administration of, 264-270 ; 

his tour in N. E., 264, 265. 
Monroe doctrine, the, 269, 270. 
Montana, admission of, 434. 
Montcalm, 1 18-120.- 
Monterey (Mon-te-ray'), capture of, 311. 
Morgan, Gen., 200, 201. 
Morgan, Gen. John, raid of, 374. 
Mormon insurrection, 329. 
Mormons, the, 300, 301. 
Moore's Creek, N. C., battle, 170. 
Morris, Robert, 215. 

Morse, S. F. B., invents telegraph, 296, 301. 
Morton, Levi P., nomination of, 428. 
Moultrie, Fort, battle of, 1776, 171. 
Mounds of the Mississippi Valley, 10. 
Mount Vernon, 226. 
Murfreesboro', battle of, 360. 
Muscovy Company, the, 54. 
Mutiny act, the, 159. 



Nashville, the, blockade runner, 356. 

Nashville, battle of, 384. 

National banks, 283, 284, 294, 298, 299. 

National Republicans, the, 275. 

Naval battles, 1812, 251, 252. 

Navigation acts, 153, 154. 

Navy in the Revolution, 191. 

Navy, new warships, 432. 

Negro troops, employment of, 385. 

Neutral rights, 357. 

Neutrality policy, 232. 

New Amsterdam, 47. 

New England Colonies, 79-97; president 
and council of, 83 ; great revival, 96 ; 
occupations of the people in 1763, 127; 



town life, 128 ; Sabbath in, 128 ; laws, 

129 ; education, 132. 
New England and the tariff, in 1816, 285. 
New England Confederation, the, of 1643, 

94. 

New England Emigrant Society, 324, 325. 
New England Primer, 234. 
New Hampshire, settlement, 92. 
New Haven Colony, 90. 
New Jersey, Dutch claims to, 49; settlement, 
103, 104. 

New Mexico, conquest of, 314, 315. 

New Orleans, battle of, 263 ; capture of, 

361; exposition, 422. 
New Sweden, 49. 

New York City, settled, 100 ; Dutch pur- 
chase from the Indians, loi; English cap- 
ture, 102; British occupation, 177; cam- 
paign around, ini776-78,i76; draft riots,376. 

New York Colony, Dutch in, 99-101 ; Eng- 
lish rule, 102 ; population in 1763, 125 ; 
occupations of the people, 143 ; religious 
intolerance, 144 ; education, 144 ; govern- 
ment, 145 ; social life, 146. 

Newfoundland fisheries, 35. 

Newport, Christopher, 55. 

Newport, Rhode Island, attack on, 188. 

Newspapers in the Southern Colonies, 142. 

Niagara, the, 256, 257. 

Niagara, battle of, 259. 

Nicholson, Gov., tyranny of, 152. 

North, Lord, downfall of, 205. 

North Carolina, settlement and colonization, 
68 ; ratifies constitution, 220. 

North Dakota, admission of, 433. 

Northern plan of campaign, in 1861, 352. 

Northmen, the, 13. 

Northwest Territory, the, 213; Maryland and 

the, 211. 
Northwest passage, the 42. 
Northwestern boundary, the, 307, 405. 
Nullification, 286, 287, 321. 

Oath of supremacy, 66. 
Ocean Pond, 377. 

Oglethorpe, Gov. James, of Georgia, 73, 74. 

Ohio, admission of, 243 ; settlers in, 231, 232, 

Ohio company, the, 114. 

Oil wells in Pennsylvania, 331. 

Oklahoma boom, the, 432, 433. 

" Old Dominion," the, 62. 

Old Ironsides, 252. 

Omnibus bill, the, 319, 320. 

Opechancanough (0-pe-can-can'o) massacres 

the whites in Va., 59. 
Ordinance of 1787, 213, 214. 
Oregon, exploration of, 244 ; admission of, 

Oregon question, the, 307. 
" Oregon trail," the, 307-309. 
Orleans, territory of, 263. 
Otis, James, and the Writs of Assistance, 
154- 

Pacific ocean, discovery of, 31. 

railroad, 406. 

explorations, 321. 



I 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Palo (Pahlo) Alto, battle of, 310, 311. 

Pan-American Congress, the, 429. 

Panicof 1837-8,294; of 1857,329; of 1873, 409. 

Paper money, 216. See, also, Currency. 

Parliament and the colonies, 156, 157. 

" Parson's case," the, 155. 

Parties during Washington's administra- 
tion, 226, 227. 

Patroons, the, 100. 

Pea Ridge, battle of, 359. 

Peace, treaty of, 201. 

Peacock, the, 254. 

Peninsular campaign, the, 366 

Penn, William, 104-106. 

Pennsylvania, settlement of, 104 ; Quakers, 
104 ; population in 1763, 125 ; occupations 
of the colonists, 144 ; government of, 145 ; 
religious toleration, 144. 

Pequod war, 93. 

Perry, Commodore O. H., victory on Lake 
Erie, 256, 257. 

Commodore M. C, expedition to 

Japan, 326. 

Perrs'sville, Ky., battle of, 360. 

Personal liberty bills, 321, 336. 

Petersburg, Va., fortifications around, 381. 

Philadelphia, settled, 105 ; relative rank in 
population, 125 ; campaign around, in 
1776, 183, 184 ; capture of, 184 ; British 
leave, 187 ; capital, 236. 

Philadelphia, frigate, 242, 243. 

Philip, King, 94, 96 ; war on whites, 94-98. 

Phillips, Wendell, on Lovejoy assassina- 
tion, 295. 

Phonograph, the, 417. 

Pickens, Gen., 196, 200, 349. 

Pierce, Franklin, administration of, 322. 

Pike's Peak, gold at, 331. 

Pillor}'^, the, 137. 

Pine-Tree shilling, 216. 

Pirates of the Mediterranean, 242, 243. 

Pitcaim, Maj., 164. 

Pitt, William, 118,158. 

Pizarro, 32. 

Plantation life, 138, 139. 
Plantations of the South, the, 136. 
Plattsburgh, battle of, 260. 
Pleasant Hill, 378. 
Plows, 234. 

Plymouth, settlement of, 82. 

Plymouth Colony, "Separatists" of, 79; 
founders, 80 ; settlement, 82 ; early years 
of, 83, 84 ; union with Mass., 84. 

company, the, 55, 83. 

patent, the, 81. 

Pocahontas and John Smith, 58, 59. 

Polk, James K., elected president, 304 ; 
administration of, 306-316. 

Polo, Marco, 17. 

Polygamy, laws against, 420, 426. 

Ponce de Leon (Pon'thaydaylay-own'), 30, 31. 

Poor Richard's Almanac, 133, 134. 

Pope, Gen., takes command on the 

Potomac, 366. 
Population in 1890, 434. 
" Populists," the, 434. 
Port Hudson, surrender of, 314. 



Port Royal, Nova Scotia, settled, 37 ; cap- 
ture of, 114. 

Port Royal, S. C, 71, 

Postage rates, reduction of, 421. 

Potomac River, 65. 

Powhatan (Pow-ha-tau'), Va., 59. 

President's election, powers and duties, 221. 

Presidential election of 1789, 225 ; of 1800, 
240 ; of 1808, 247 ; of 1812, 254 ; of 1S24, 
271 ; of 1840, 297 ; of 1844, 304 ; of 1852, 
322 ; of i860, 332 ; of 1864, 386 ; of 1868, 
402; of 1876, 410; of 1880, 417; of 1884, 
423 _; of 1888, 428 ; of 1892, 434. 

Presidential succession, 425, 426. 

Prevost (Pre-vo'), Gen., 194, 260. 

Price, Gen. Sterling, 355, 360. 

Princeton, battle of, 179, 180. 

Princeton College, 144. 

Printing in colonial Virginia, 141. 

Prisoners, exchange of. 385. 

Proctor, Gen., 255 ; attacks Fort Stephen- 
son, 256. 

" Protection," 434. 

Protective tariff, 285. 

Providence, settlement of, 91. 

Pueblo (pway'-blo) Indians, the, 2. 

Pulaski, Count, 195. 

Punishments in colonial New England, 130. 

Quakers in Pennsylvania, 104-X06, 144. 
Quebec, capture of, 119, 120; founding of, 
37- 

Queen Anne s war, 113, 114. 
Queenstown Heights, capture of, 253. 
Quincy railway, 290. 

Radicals, the, 348. 

Railroads, early, 290, 291 ; development of, 

321 ; transcontinental, 406. 
Raleigh (Rawly), Sir Walter, charter to, 

43 ; expeditions of, 43, 44. 
Randolph, Edmund, secretary- of war, 228. 
" Reciprocity policy," 431. 
Reconstruction acts of Congress, 399. 
Reconstruction period, 397 et seq. 
Red River expedition, 378. 
Religion, in the New England Colonies, 

128 ; in the Southern Colonies, 139 ; in 

the Middle Colonies, 144. 
Republican convention at Chicago, in i860, 

333- 

Republican party, the, 232, 325. 

Resaca de la Palma (Ra5i'-sah'cah dey lah 
Pal'mah), battle of, 311. 

Resumption Act, the, 416. 

" Returning Boards," the, 411. 

Revere, Paul, 164. 

Revival, the great, of 1740, 96. 

Revolution, beginnings of, 163, 164; war of 
the, 152-184. 

Rhode Island, settlement, 91 : the Don- 
Rebellion, 300 ; ratifies constitution, 220. 

Rice culture in South Carolina, 71. 

Richmond, Va., settlement of, 58; capital 
of Southern Confederacy, 351; prisons of, 
385 ; evacuation of, 387. 

Rio Grande boundarj^ 310. 



/ 



INDEX. li 



Ripley, Gen., in Canada, 259. 

Roanoke Island, Raleigh's Colony, 44. 

Rochambeau (Ro-sham-bo'), Gen., 205. 

" Roeket," The, 291. 

Rolfe, Capt. John, 58, 59, 60. 

Rosecrans, Gen. W. S., luka and Corinth, 

360; Murfreesboro, 360; defeat of, 375. 
Ross, Gen., attacks Baltimore, 261. 
" Rotten boroughs," 157. 

Sabbath observance, 129. 

Sabine Cross Roads, 378. 

Sabine Pass, attack on, 374. 

Sabine river, boundarj', 266. 

Sackett's Harbor, attack on, 258. 

Sacramento, growth of, in 1849, 316. 

Sagas (Say'gaz), the Norse, 15, 16. 

St. Augustine, Fla., settlement of, 34; 

burning of, 71. 
St. Clair, Gen., defeat of, 231. 
St. John, J. P., nomination of, 423. 
St. Lawrence, Cartier on the, 37. 
St. Leger (Lej'er) at Fort Stanwdx, 182. 
St. Mar\''s, Maryland, 65. 
St. Regis, battle of, 258. 
"Salary grab," the, 408. 
Salem, Mass., settlement of, 84; witchcraft 

in, 87. 

Samoan dispute, the, 431. 

San Francisco, in 1849, 316. 

San Francisco bay, Drake in, 41. 

San Jacinto, battle of, 303. 

Sa7i Jacinto, the, 356. 

San Salvador island, 21 

Sandys, Sir Edwin, 60. 

Santa Anna, Gen., defeat of, 312, 313. 

Santa Fe, N. M., capture of, 315. 

Santa Maria (Mah-ree'ah), the, 20. 

Saratoga, battle of, 182. 

Savannah, Ga., settlement of, 74; capture 

of, 194 ; American and French attack on, 

195 ; capture of, 384. 
Saybrook, Fort, Conn., 8g, 90. 
Schools in the colonies, 132, 141, 144. 
Schuyler (Ski'ler) Gen., 181, 182. 
Scientific progress, 1837-40, 296. 
Scotch-Irish in Virginia, 63, 64. 
Scotch Presbyterians in New Jersey, 144. 
Scott, Dred, 327, 328. 

Scott, Gen. W. S., in Canada, 259; cam- 
paign in Mexico, 312, 313. 
Seal fisheries, the, 437. 

Secession, the "mode of redress," 339, 340. 

Secession of Southern States, 336, 337. 

Secession ordinance, 337. 

Secession, right of, 338, 392. 

Seminole war, the, 265, 266, 288. 

" Separatists," the, 79, 80. 

Serapis (Ser-ay'pis), the, 193. 

Seven Days' Battles, 1862, 366. 

Seven Pines, battle of, 364^ 

Sevier (Se-veer'), John, 198, 214. 

Seward, W. H., 357, 388. 

Seymour (Se'more), Horatio, 403. 

Skanno7i, the, 254, 255. 

Sharpsburg, or Antietam, battle of, 366, 367. 
Shays's Rebellion, 217. 



Shenandoah Valley, operations in the, 380, 
381 ; Stonewall Jackson's campaign, 364, 
365 ; Sheridan in, 381, 387. 

Sheridan, Gen., campaign of, in the Shen- 
andoah Valley, 381, 387. 

Sherman, Gen., moves on Mobile, 378; 
marches to oppose Johnston, 379; pur- 
sues Johnston in Georgia, 382; "March 
to the Sea," 384, 386. 

Sherman Act, the, 430. 

Shiloh, battle of, 358. 

Sigel (See'-gel), Gen., 379, 380. 

Silver, demonetization of, 409 ; restoration 
of, 416. 

Silver legislation in 1888, 430. 

Silver question in 1893, 435. 

Sioux (Soo) Indians, 3 ; uprising in 1876, 409. 

Sitting Bull, 409. 

" Slave " and " Free " states, 266. 
Slave labor in Southern Colonies, 135. 
Slave ship, the first, 86. 

Slavery, abolition of, 391 ; in the colonies, 
125 ; in Southern Colonies, 136 ; in the ter- 
ritories, 266, 267 ; position of parties on, 
in i860, 334 ; prohibited in Northwest 
Territory, 214 ; prohibited in Georgia, 74 ; 
Southern view of, 289. 

Slaves, the first, 61 ; prohibition of importa- 
tion of, 246. 

Sloat, Commodore, 314. 

Sloughter (Slo'ter), Gov., 102. 

Smith, Capt. John, sketch of, 54 ; the 
" Great Deliverer," 58 ; in New Eng- 
land, 93. 

Smith, Joseph, founder of Mormonism, 300, 
301. 

Smith, Gen. Kirby, raids Kentucky, 360 ; 

surrender, 388. 
Smithson, James, 296. 
Smithsonian Institution, the, 275. 
Smuggling, 152, 153 ; in New Jersey, 104. 
Smyth, Gen., expedition of, to Canada, 253, 

254- 

Social life in the Middle Colonies, 146 ; in 
New England Colonies, 130 ; in the 
Southern Colonies, 138, 139. 

" Solid South," the 417. 

South, preparation of the, for war, 341; con- 
dition of the, at close of the war, 392 ; sen- 
timent of, in i860, 335 ; war in the, in 
1778-80, 193. 

South Carolina, settlement and colonization, 
70-72 ; rice culture, 72 ; fundamental con- 
stitutions, 72 ; British in, 196. 

South Dakota, admission of, 433. 

Southern Colonies, the, 135 ; foiTO of govern- 
ment of, 137. 

Southern States, political condition in 1876 ; 
readmission of, 399, 400. 

Spain and the navigation of the Mississippi, 
215. 

Spaniards in Georgia, troubles with, 75. 

Spanish explorations, 29. 

Specie payments, resumption of, 409. 

Spoils system, 283. 

Spotswood, Gov., 64, 135. 

Squatter sovereignty, 330, 331. 



Hi 



HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY. 



Stamp Act, the, 156-158. 

Stamp Act Congress, 158. 

Standard time, 422. 

Standish, Miles, 83, 84. 

" Star Rojite " frauds, 420. 

" Star spangled banner," 261. 

Stark, Gen., 181. 

" Stars and bars," 351. 

Steamboat, the first, 246. 

Stephens, Alexander H., vice-president of 
Southern Confederacy, 338. 

Stephenson, George, 291. 

Stevenson, A. E., nomination of, 434. 

Stony Point, capture of, 194, 195. 

"Strict Constructionists," 227. 

Stuyvesant (Sty've-sant), Peter, loi. 

Sub-Treasury system, 294, 299. 

Sullivan, Gen., expedition against the In- 
dians, 188. 

Sumter, Gen., 196, 200. 

Sumter, blockade runner, 356. 

Sumter, Fort, see Fort Sumter. 

Supreme Court, the, 221, 222. 

Sutter, Capt., 315. 

Sutter's Fort, 314. 

" Swamp Fox," the, 196. 

Swanzey, Mass., Indian massacre, 95. 

Swedes in America, the, 48-50. 

Taney, Chief Justice, 329. 

Tariff Act of 1842, 300 ; of 1883, 421. 

Tariff legislation under Jackson, 284-286; 
in 1888, 428 ; the McKinley Bill, 430 ; the 
Wilson Bill, 436. 

"Tariff for revenue only," 434. 

Tarleton, Gen., 200, 201. 

Taylor, Gen. Z., defeats Seminoles, 288; 
march of, to the Rio Grande, 311; invades 
Mexico, 311 ; defeats Mexicans at Buena 
Vista, 312; elected president, 317; ser- 
vices and character of, 318. 

"Tea Party" in Boston harbor, 161. 

Tea tax, 160, 161. 

Tecumseh, 256, 257. 

Telegraph put into operation, 300. 

Telephone, the, 416. 

Te7inessee, the, 384. 

Tennessee, ceded to the U. S., 214; ad- 
mitted to the Union, 232 ; restored to the 
Union, 399. 

" Tenure of office " Act, 400. 

Territories, slavery in the, 318, 319. 

Texas, Spanish in, 33 ; relinquished to 
Spain, 266 ; independence of, 302 ; annex- 
ation of, 301-304, 310; campaign of 1863, 
in, 374- 

Thames, battle of the, 257. 

Thomas, Gen. G. H., at Chattanooga, 375 ; 
defeats Hood at Nashville, 383, 384. 

Ticonderoga, Fort, 118, 183. 

Tilden, Samuel J., nomination of, 411. 

Tippecanoe, battle of, 249, 250. 

" Tippecanoe and Tyler too," 297. 

Tithing-men, 129. 

Tobacco, introduction of, into Europe, 44 ; 

culture in Va., 59, 60, 135. 
Tomahawk, the, 7. 



Tomochichi (-chee-chee), Indian chief, 74. 
Totem, the, 5. 

Town life in New England Colonies, 128. 

Town-meeting, 128. 

Towns, absence of, in the South, 136. 

Townshend Acts, 159. 

Travel, facilities of, 234. 

Treaty of Ghent, 262. 

Treaty of Peace, 1783, 206, 212. 

Treaty of Washington, 404. 

Treaty with France, 1800, 240. 

Treaty with Mexico, 315. 

Trent, affair of the, 356. 

Trenton, battle of, 179. 

Tripoli, war with, 242, 243. 

Tyler, John, administration of, 297-305. 

Underground railway, the, 321, 336. 
Utah, admission of, 436. 

Valley Forge, camp at, 186. 

Van Buren, Martin, elected president, 292 ; 
administration of, 293-296. 

Vancouver's Island, 405. 

VanDorn, Gen., 360. 

Vera Cruz, siege of, 312. 

Verrazzano (Vay-raht-zahn'o), 36. 

Vespucci, Amerigo (Ah-ma-re'go Ves-poot' 
che), 29. 

Vicksburg, fall of, 373, 374. 

Virginia, named, 44; settlement and colo- 
nization, 53-65 ; first charter, 56 ; first 
Assembly, 60 ; slaves in colony of, 61 ; 
settlement of valley, 63 ; population in 
1763, 125; the Townshend Acts, 159; 
resolutions of Assembly of, on Boston 
Port Bill, 162 ; Lord Dunmore's war, 170 ; 
cedes N. W. Territory, 213. 

Virginia Bill of Rights, 248. 

Virginia and Kentucky resolutions, 239. 

Virginia, the, 363. 

War of 1812-1814, 250-262. 

War between the states, causes, 340 ; first 
year of, 347-357; second year, 358-370; 
campaign of 1863, 371-377 ; campaign of 
1864, 377-386; comparative strength of 
Union and Confederate armies, 389 ; 
losses, 389 ; close of the, 389 ; financial 
cost of, 390 ; results, 390 

Washington, George, expedition to Ohio, 
114, 115; with Braddock, 116, 117'; ap- 
pointed commander of the Continental 
army, 168 ; takes command, 169 ; retreat 
through New Jersey, 177, 178; crosses 
the Delaware, 178, 179; at Trenton, 179; 
at Chad's Ford, 184; at Valley Forge, 
186 ; rebukes Lee, 187 ; plans to attack 
Cornwallis, 203 ; president of Constitu- 
tional Convention, 218; inauguration of, 
226 ; administration of, 225-235 ; appointed 
Commander-in-chief of the army, 238 ; 
death, 239. 

John, 62. 

City, capital of the United States, 

236 ; capture of, 261. 
state of, admission of, 433. 



INDEX. 



liii 



Wasp, the, 252, 253. 

Wayne, Gen., at Stony Point, 195; defeats 
Maumee Indians, 231. 

Weaver, J. K., nominated by the " Popu- 
lists," 434. 

Webster, Daniel, replies to Hayne, 286 ; on 
the tariff of 18 16, 285 ; supports protective 
tariff, 286 ; debate of, with Calhoun, 287 ; 
on Compromise of 1850, 320. 

Wesley, John, in Georgia, 74, 75. 

West Jersey, 104. 

West Virginia, loyal to the Union, 350; 
campaign of 186 1 in, 353 ; admission of, 
377- 

West, settlement of the, 230, 231. 

Wheeler, William A., nomination of, 410. 

Whig party, the, 291, 292. 

" Whiskey insurrection," the, 230. 

" Whiskey ring," the, 408. 

Whitefield (Whit field), George, in Georgia, 

74, 75 ; and the " Great Awakening," 96 ; 

on slavery, 136. 
Whitman, Marcus, expedition of, to Oregon, 

309. 

Whitney, Eli, 233. 

Wigglesworth, M., his "Day of Doom," 
134- 

Wilderness, battles of the, 380, 381. 
Willamette Valley, 309. 
William and Mary College, Virginia, 64, 
140, 141, 



Williams, Roger, 86, 91. 
Williamsburg, capital of Virginia, 64; en- 
gagement at, 364. 
Wilmot Proviso, the, 319. 
Wilson, Henry, nomination of, 408. 
Wilson Bill, the, 436. 
Wilson's Creek, battle of, 356. 
Winchester, battle of, 381. 
Windmills, 143. 
Winthrop, Governor, 85. 
Winthrop, John, Jr., builds Ft. Saybrook, 89. 
Witchcraft craze in Massachusetts, 87. 
Wolfe, Gen., at Quebec, 119, 120. 
World, circumnavigation of, 31. 
World's Fair, 1853, the, 326. 
World's Fair at Chicago, the, 436. 
Writs of assistance, 154. 
Wyeth, Nathaniel J., 309. 
Wyoming, admission of, 433. 
massacre, 188. 

Yale College, founded, 132. 
Yeardley, Governor, 60. 
Yellow fever epidemic, 1878-9, 417. 
Yorktown, surrender at, 205 ; evacuation of, 
1862, 364. 

centennial, 422. 

Young, Brigham, 301. 

Ysleta (Is-let'ta), settlement at, 35. 

Zollicoffer, Gen., 358. 



A BRIEF 



History of north Carolina 



BY 



EDWIN A. ALDERMAN 

Professor of Pedagogy in the University of North Carolina 



Boston, U.S.A., and London 
GINN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 
Cbe ^tbenaeum pregg. 
1896 



Copyright, 1896 
By GINN & COMPANY 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



A BRIEF HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



THE PROPRIETARY PERIOD (I663-I728). 

Exploration. — The coast of North Carolina was the scene of 
the first attempts of Englishmen to settle in America, and but 
for a long bar of sand stretching along the entire sea front, 
making good harbors impossible, the first English state would 
probably have been founded upon the banks of the Roanoke 
instead of by the waters of the James. Sir Walter Raleigh's first 
exploring expedition arrived at Roanoke Island July 4th, 1584. 
In the next six years the great soldier and scholar crippled his 
fortune sending men and ships to the new world, but all his 
efforts were doomed to failure. The crumbling ruins of an 
earthen fort, the home of the first English settlers on this con- 
tinent, is the only actual evidence of his three great expeditions. 
North Carolina history, however, has been made richer and more 
romantic by the:i^tory of the courage and misfortunes of the 
brave explorers, and by strange, sad tales of little Virginia 
Dare, the first white child born on this continent, and of the 
friendly Indian, Manteo, upon whom was conferred the first and 
only title of nobility ever given to an Indian, — Lord of Roa- 
noke, — and who received the first Christian baptism. There 
remains, too, the interesting legend believed in by many, that 
the one hundred and sixteen English colonists left upon the 
island by John White, in 1587, were not destroyed, but, as the 
word " Croatoan " carved upon the tree without the cross indi- 
cated, had mingled and married with the natives on the main- 
land. The Croatan Indians of Robeson county regard them- 



2 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



selves as the descendants of these colonists, and are treated 
by the state to-day, in its provisions for their education, as a 
distinct class of people of mixed descent.^ 



Granting of Charters. — The real history of North Carolina 
did not begin until nearly seventy-five years after these events, 
when Charles II., the king of England, on March 24th, 1663, 




Signatures of the Proprietors, 



gave to eight great noblemen of his realm all^^the territory from 
southern Virginia to the coast of Florida, and extending west- 
ward indefinitely to the " South Seas." ^ Two years later, at the 
" humble request " of these great lords, this grant was enlarged 
so as to secure beyond doubt the section on which the Chowan 
colony happened to be formed, and to embrace the limits 
claimed in Spanish Florida. This vast region retained the 
name of Carolina, which it had received a generation before in 

i§§ 66 and 67, p. 44, Our Country. " Croatoan " is explained on p. 59. 

2 George, Duke of Albemarle; Edward, Earl of Clarendon; William, 
Earl of Craven ; John, Lord Berkeley ; Anthony, Lord Ashley ; Sir George 
Carteret; Sir William Berkeley; Sir John Colleton. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



3 



honor of Charles I. In May, 1663, the Lords Proprietors, as 
they were called, organized a joint stock company, decided on 
the simplest general principles of government, and divided 
their territory into two great counties, Albemarle on the north 
and Clarendon on the south. The Lords Proprietors had the 
same feeling about their new possession that men of to-day 
have when they are trying to get rich quickly by building new 
towns in the woods in our coal and iron districts. Circulars 
were issued offering land on liberal terms, and agents were 
sent here and there soliciting immigration. Early in Septem- 
ber, 1663, in order that the king might see that they " slept not 
with their grant," Sir William Berkeley of Virginia, one of the 
Proprietors, severed the connection of Albemarle with Vir- 
ginia, instituted an Assembly, and appointed William Drum- 
mond the first governor of the colony. Albemarle, in the 
northeastern part of the state, may, therefore, be considered 
as the parent settlement of North Carolina.^ 

Early Settlements and Population. — Charles IL was prob- 
ably ignorant of the fact that there was already a nucleus of a 
young state in the vast 




territory he had given 
away to his " right trusty 
and well-beloved cousins 
and counsellors." But 
ten years before the 
granting of the first char- 
ter, restless Virginians, 
attracted by the richer 
soil and more bountiful 
products, had been mov- 
ing into the bottom lands along the Chowan and Albemarle, 
and William Drummond, the first governor, doubtless found 



SETTLEMENT 

OF THE 
..Augustine CAROEINAS 



105-110, pp. 69-70, Our Country. 



4 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

himself the ruler over little groups of scattered farms, with 
here and there a solitary plantation. Later on, after Bacon's 
Rebellion in Virginia, and down to the close of the seven- 
teenth century, the colony was increased by numbers of 
hardy English settlers seeking a spot where they might 
enjoy freedom to rule themselves and worship God without 
fear of tithes or taxes. These men have often been called 
Quakers, but they probably became Quakers after their settle- 
ment in Albemarle. The progress of immigration went south- 
ward along the river courses until the Cape Fear was reached 
in 1725. The Barbadoes settlements about Cape Fear merged 
into the Albemarle settlement. Two small colonies of Hugue- 
nots settled along the Pamlico and the Trent, and a body of 
Germans and Swiss founded a new Bern at the meeting of 
the Neuse and the Trent. 

Governors and Government. — For five years after the grant- 
ing of the charter, the colony of Albemarle absorbed the ener- 
gies of the Lords Proprietors, and they were very liberal in their 
grants and terms of land ; but finding the southern colony likely 
to yield richer returns, they turned their attention in that direc- 
tion and left Albemarle to its fate. For sixty years the brave 
little settlement, hampered by foolish laws and " fundamental 
constitutions," fought for its life. It was the simplest, freest 
government in the world. There was a governor, appointed 
by the Proprietors, and a council of twelve, and twenty-eight 
members of the House of Assembly, chosen by the freemen, 
There was no capital, and the Assembly met at the houses 
of private individuals in various parts of the little province. 
Twenty proprietary governors came and went during this 
period.-^ For the most part they were unworthy men, with 
honorable exceptions like Drummond and Archdale. Indeed, 
they were not governors in any true sense, but overseers, 
1 See Appendix. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



5 



carpet-baggers, paid agents, who came to care for an invest- 
ment of their masters and to enrich themselves, rather than 
to rule wisely a struggling people. Happily, the colony was 
not a pleasant residence for such men. When they were 
fairly good men, or home folks, things went along smoothly 
enough. When they were men like Seth Southwell (Sothel) or 
Thomas Miller, they were rather rudely stripped of their honors 
and sent home. At least six governors were disposed of in 
this way, and among them a Lord Proprietor himself, Seth 
Southwell, whom they " clapt into a logg house and caused to 
take and subscribe a strange oath renouncing the Government." 
" These people are not to be cajoled or outwitted," declared 
Governor Burrington. 

Rebellions and Wars. — In 1677 under John Culpepper, 
and again in 1708 under Thomas Gary, open rebellion reigned 
in the province. In the one case, the hard-headed settlers 
resented interference with their trade regulations, and in the 
other, the Quakers and other Dissenters resisted taxation for 
the Established Church. " For two years and upwards " there 
was no acknowledged government in the province, and anarchy 
of a mild nature prevailed. The plain farmers simply attended 
to their crops, " doing and saying what they list " until the 
arrival of Edward Hyde, cousin to Queen Anne, who in 17 12 
became the first governor of North Carolina, as distinct from 
South Carolina. Since 1691 the two provinces had been con- 
sidered as one, with a governor of all Carolina at Charleston 
and deputy governors for the two provinces at Albemarle and 
Charleston. Upon the heels of all this civil war came the 
scourge of Indian war. The Tuscarora Indians in 17 11 fell 
upon the scattered inhabitants on the lonely farms along the 
Neuse and Pamlico, and in a few days massacred many men, 
women, and children, among them John Lawson, our first his- 
torian. The Lords Proprietors gave no aid. South Carolina 



6 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



came to the aid of the struggUng colony, and in 17 15 the 
power of the savages was broken. The remains of the tribe 
afterwards went North and joined the Five Nations in New 
York. The little province was now in sore distress. Virginia 
had ruined her tobacco trade, her population was depleted, her 
paper currency valueless, and bold pirates, like Edward Teach, 
the famous Blackbeard, were sweeping through the waters of 




Seals of the Proprietors. 



the sounds. After 17 15 matters began to look a little brighterl 
The laws were revised and published ; Edward Teach was 
killed in a desperate sea fight off Bath Harbor in 17 18, and 
in 1728 the long boundary dispute with Virginia was settled. 

End of the Proprietary Government. — At last, realizing 
that they could not manage an English province as they could 
a private corporation, seven of the Proprietors in 1728 sold 
their rights to that portion of their possessions called " North 
Carolina" to the crown for 17,500 pounds. Lord Carteret, 
later Earl Granville, retained his one-eighth of land, surren- 
dering, however, his right of government. This Granville land 
afterwards became a fruitful source of trouble to the young 
colony. At this time the colony consisted of two counties, 
Albemarle and Bath, divided into seven precincts, which sent 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



7 



twenty-six members to the Assembly. The population did not 
exceed forty thousand people, living along the bottom lands of 
the eastern rivers, or clustered in the four little hamlets of 
Bath, Edenton, Newbern, and Brunswick.^ Edenton was the 
metropolis, containing forty or fifty houses. These people 
were mostly hardy pioneers, inured to danger and struggling 
for existence. Along the Cape Fear and about Edenton, men 
of wealth and refinement, like Edward Moseley, the Ashes, 
Moores, Lillingtons, Walkers, Swanns, and Gales had settled, 
and were proving themselves fit men to guide the affairs of the 
rising commonwealth. 

True Meaning of the Period The struggles and dissen- 
sions of these sixty-five desperate years would mean very little 
if they did not teach that Englishmen are determined to govern 
themselves in spite of poverty, savages, lords, and kings. The 
founders of North Carolina were united in nothing but resist- 
ance to unjust rule and love of freedom; and the long, dark, 
almost hopeless period of proprietary government is one of 
the most striking examples in all history of the capacity of 
English people for self-government. 

ROYAL PERIOD (1728-1775). 

Increase of Population. — For some time before the close 
of the proprietary period, the causes that hindered the growth 
of the colony were disappearing, and the forty-five years of 
royal power were years of remarkable growth. At the opening 
of Governor Gabriel Johnston's administration (1734), there 
were forty thousand people in the state, and the country beyond 
Hillsboro was uninhabited. At the close of the period (1775) 
there were nearly three hundred thousand inhabitants, and the 

1 BrunsAvick was sixteen miles below Wilmington. It does not now 
exist. 



8 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



country had been settled to the foothills of the mountains, 
causing the creation of twenty new counties to meet the wants 
of the newcomers. The main sources of our life are English, 
Scotch-Irish, Scotch, and German, with minor streams of Irish, 
French, and Swiss. From York and Lancaster counties, in 
Pennsylvania, the Scotch-Irish poured through the Shenan- 
doah Valley in wagons, bringing their household goods with 
them to the country between the Dan and the Catawba. In 
one winter, a thousand wagons bearing them passed through 
Salisbury. Over the same path came the Germans from the 
Palatinate,^ bringing with them the curious customs of the 
Rhine, which survived after the Revolution. Another stream 
of Scotch-Irish moved upward from Charleston. Scotch 
Highlanders seeking better homes, or fleeing after 1746 from 
the consequences of Culloden, populated the valley of the 
Cape Fear, and the Gaelic tongue was spoken in the present 
counties of Bladen, Cumberland, Robeson, Moore, Richmond, 
Harnett, and Anson. In 1750 the Moravians purchased one 
hundred thousand acres of land on the Yadkin and called their 
territory Wachovia, after the home of the founder of their sect. 
The leading element in this movement was the Scotch-Irish, a 
strong race, Protestant in religion, thrifty in habits, devoted 
to education, the best middle class in the world. There was a 
marked increase, too, in the wealth and trade of the colony. 
Exports of naval stores, timber, tobacco, and wheat became 
valuable ; and linen, woolens, all kinds of clothing, and hard- 
ware were imported. The only articles manufactured in the 
province were ill-made hats and shoes, homespun cloth, brick, 
and simple iron articles. In the eastern counties there was a 
show of refinement and culture in well-built colonial homes. 
Along the courses of the rivers dwelt men of fortune and 
education, living the semi-feudal life of the time, hospitable 

1 A province in Germany, on the western banks of the Rhine, below 
Strasburg and along the eastern boundaries of France. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



9 



and sport-loving, but brave and well-bred. The printing press 
made its appearance in 1749 ; the newspaper in 1755 ; the first 
printed laws in 1751, and a rude postal service in 1755. 

Governors and Government. — This general uplift and im- 
provement, however, sprang from natural causes, and not from 
the wisdom of governors. The royal governors, as a rule, were 
men of a higher type than those of the former period. John- 
ston, Dobbs, Tryon, and Martin were men of ability and good 
personal character, but they all approached their tasks in a 
spirit which meant failure. They looked on themselves as the 
king's agents, and the people as servants. The people looked 
on themselves as Englishmen who had subdued a wild country 
across the seas, and rested their claims upon the inherited 
rights of Englishmen and their charters and deeds of grant. 
Hence there were the usual friction and trouble. It is foolish 
to call this mere turbulence. It was the same resistance to 
unjust authority that showed itself in Massachusetts and Vir- 
ginia. These men were submissive enough when they were 
treated as free men, and the right of spending their money 
was conceded to them. Hence, when Governor Johnston sought 
to reduce the representation of the more important counties 
from five to two, and succeeded for a time in doing so by trick- 
ery, those counties revolted and refused to pay taxes or ac- 
knowledge any government for eight years. When Governor 
Dobbs, who was always complaining of the " rising spirit of 
republicanism," sought to have his salary increased or to use a 
public fund, the sharp-eyed Assembly thwarted him promptly, 
and when Governor Martin refused his assent to a court bill 
desired by the people, the province went without superior 
courts for five years. 

The Reception of the Stamp Act The leading events of 

the period, excepting the campaign against the Cherokees 



10 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



under Hugh Waddell, and the departure of the North Carolina 
troops under James Innes, to take part in the French and 
Indian War, all point to the larger movement of the Revolu- 
tion. In no colony was resistance to the odious Stamp Act 
swifter and more characteristic. This colony was one of the 
first to offer it armed resistance. As General Ashe foretold, 
the act was resisted to the " death," and naturally enough, for 
the people had for years contended that the right of taxation 
could be lawfully exercised only by their own Assembly. In 
Wilmington the people built bonfires, burned in effigy the Eng- 
lish supporters of the act, and on November i6th, 1765, in 
broad daylight, forced the stamp master, William Houston, to 
resign his office and swear not to receive any stamps in the 
port. Again, in February, 1766, under the leadership of 
Colonels Hugh Waddell and John Ashe, a committee of the 
inhabitants in arms, without disguise, boarded a British sloop 
of war, Viper ^ in the Cape Fear, and demanded and received 
possession of certain merchant vessels which the captain of 
the Viper had seized because of their failure to have stamped 
paper on board. A few days later, in Brunswick, seven hundred 
militia of the district surrounded the house of Governor Tryon, 
the strongest governor the colony ever had, and took from his 
house and presence the comptroller of the province, and forced 
him to do as Houston had done in Wilmington. A similar 
feeling prevailed over the entire province. Governor Tryon, 
although he dined the Cape Fear gentlemen and begged 
them to permit the partial execution of the act, was thwarted 
in his purpose, and succeeded only in preventing North Caro- 
lina from sending delegates to the Colonial Congress in New 
York by refusing to call together the Legislature. In the 
interval the Stamp Act was repealed, and the North Carolina 
Assembly was in such good humor that it voted to build for 
Tryon, at Newbern, the finest palace in North America. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 



II 



The Regulators The famous War of the Regulation con- 
cluded Governor Tryon's administration. This struggle began 
in Granville county in 1765, and continued for six years, 
spreading in area until it included all the region between the 
mountains and Wake county, and embracing fully fifty thou- 
sand people. It was really a contest between a tyrannical 
governor and the inhabitants of the up-country, who were con- 
scious of injustice and wrong, and who were stirred to violence 
by designing men. The people in the district did not own 
their lands, but rented them from the king at seventy-five cents 
per hundred acres. The sole tax of the day was the poll tax, 
always unjust to the poor, and for want of a circulating me- 
dium it had to be paid in commodities. This was a serious 
matter when forty bushels of wheat, carried in wagons from 
Chatham to Fayetteville, netted only five dollars. The majority, 
of these settlers were ignorant men, and hence it is easy to see 
what an opportunity there was for extortion and plunder by 
corrupt crown and court ofiicers, and they did not neglect their 
opportunity. The up-country men fancied, too, that they were 
bearing the burdens and not getting the benefits of govern- 
ment. Their cause in the main was just, and their frequent 
petitions for redress received scant attention. Whereupon, 
exhausted in patience, reinforced by the lawless elements who 
gather around all such movements, they resorted to acts of 
violence, whipping of sheriffs and lawyers, and taking posses- 
sion of court-houses. Tryon undertook two campaigns against 
them, and in the last campaign, in 177 1, at the battle of Ala- 
mance, crushed them with ruthless severity. The Regulators, 
however, represented a principle which finally reached the 
doors of the palace at Newbern and drove the British governor 
away from the colony. 



12 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



THE REVOLUTION (I77S-I783). 

The First Representative Assembly Independent of Royal 
Authority in America. — In the summer of 1774, in response 
to the summons from Massachusetts, five ^ pioneer patriots, in 
defiance of Governor Martin, sent handbills over the province, 
inviting the people to a congress to elect delegates to the Con- 
tinental Congress. At a month's notice seventy men met at 
Newbern in a three days' session, denounced the conduct of 
Great Britain, and elected William Hooper, Richard Caswell, 
and Joseph Hewes delegates to the Continental Congress. 
Colonial days are now over, and the history of North Carolina 
becomes a part of that of the United States. In various coun- 
ties, patriotic meetings were held, and at Edenton, in the 
famous Edenton " Tea Party," fifty-one ladies subscribed a 
paper promising not to use East India tea, and to abide by 
the resolves of the deputies.^ 

The Mecklenburg Declaration. — From that midsummer 
meeting in August, 1774. things moved rapidly in North 
Carolina. The news of the bloodshed at Concord reached 
Charlotte, May T9th, 1775. The people of Mecklenburg 
County, whom Tarleton declared to be more hostile to England 
than any others in America, were meeting in general com- 
mittee to discuss the condition of their county and to uphold 
the men of Boston in their struggle against Great Britain. 
Abraham Alexander was chairman, and John McKnitt Alexan- 
der was secretary of the meeting. There were present men 
like Ephraim Brevard, the writer of the Declaration, Thomas 
Polk, Joseph Graham, and Hezekiah Balch, who spoke to the 
people or listened to the stirring news. After sitting in the 

1 John Harvey, Samuel Johnston, William Hooper, James Iredell, and 
Willie Jones. 

''^§ 254, p. 160, Our Cotmtry. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



13 



court-house all night, "neither sleepy, hungry, nor fatigued," 



about 2 A.M., May 20th, in 
they declared the county 
ain, and sent by special 
proceedings to the Conti- 

Resolved. — That whosoever 
in any way, form or manner 
our rights, as attempted by the 
is an enemy to his country, to 

Resolved. — That we the 
do hereby dissolve the political 
us with the mother country, 
all allegiance to the British 
connection with a nation that 
rights and liberties and in- 
blood of Americans 
Resolved. — That 
free and indepen- 
and of right ought 
and self-governing 
power of God and 
gress ; to the main- 
independence, we 
to each other our 
tion, our lives, our 
most sacred honor. 

Resolved. — That 
and adopt as rules 




the following solemn resolutions 
independent of Great Brit- 
messenger a copy of the 
nental Congress : 

directly or indirectly abets or 
countenances the invasion of 
Parliament of Great Britain, 
America, and the rights of men. 
citizens of Mecklenburg county 
bonds which have connected 
and absolve ourselves from 
crown, abjuring all political 
has wantonly trampled on our 
humanly shed the innocent 
ington. 

declare ourselves a 
dent people, are, 
to be, a sovereign 
people, under the 
the General Con- 
tenance of which 
solemnly pledge 
mutual co-opera- 
fortunes, and our 



hereby 



Proposed Mecklenburg Monument. 



we hereby ordain 
of conduct, all and 
each of our former laws, and the crown of Great Britain cannot be 
considered hereafter as holding any rights, privileges or immunities 
amongst us. 

Resolved. — That all officers, both civil and military, in this county, 
be entitled to exercise the same powers and authorities as heretofore : 
that every member of this delegation shall henceforth be a civil officer 
and exercise the powers of a justice of the peace, issue process, hear 
and determine controversies according to law, preserve peace, union. 



14 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



and harmony in the county, and use every exertion to spread the love 
of liberty and of country, until a more general and better organized 
system of Government be estabhshed. 

Resolved. — That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by 
express to the President of the Continental Congress assembled in 
Philadelphia, to be laid before that body. 

There is no evidence that the Congress took any action con- 
cerning these resolutions, doubtless considering them forward 
and bold. The British governor, Josiah Martin, who was pre- 
paring to fly from the palace at Newbern to the refuge of a 
British man-of-war (June 14,1775), pronounced them the " most 
horrid and treasonable publications yet issued in America." 
Later, on May 31st, a series of twenty resolutions was adopted, 
providing for the government of the county as an independent 
region. These were very daring deeds of patriotism done in a 
remote county fourteen months before the national Declaration 
of Independence, and the region maintained its reputation 
during the great war which quickly followed. Seven engage- 
ments were fought within forty miles of Charlotte, and Lord 
Cornwallis called the town " The Hornets' Nest of the Revo- 
lution." The state, in honor of the deed, has set the date, 
May 20, 1775, upon its Great Seal.^ * ^tk 

Colonial Congresses. — Four colonial congresses met in the 
state within the next twenty months (May, 1775, to December, 
1776). Men like Hugh Waddell and John Harvey had passed 
away, but under the leadership of Cornelius Harnett, Caswell, 
Johnston, Hooper, and Willie Jones, the conduct of public 
affairs was provided for in the absence of any governor, except 
poor Governor Martin trying to rule from a British ship. Our 
ancestors acted with great dignity in these grave times. A. 
State Council was appointed, and committees of safety in every 
county to care for local concerns. Troops were raised, arms 

i§ 261, p. i6j, Otir Coinitiy. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



15 



and money provided, and machinery set in motion, powerful 
enough to crush the Highlanders and Tories at Moore's Creek 
in 1776, and to dishearten and drive away the fifty British 
vessels anchored below Wilmington. On April 12th, 1776, our 
delegates in Congress were empowered to concur with the 
delegates from the other states in voting for complete " inde- 
pendency." These were the first 
instructions for complete indepen- 



dence given in America. 



On the 



X >■ 

Xa 



FIVE DOLLARS/ 

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 
^.1"^ 1 HIS Bill intitles the Bearer lo receive 

J"P (five Spanilh mili'd DOLLARS, or I OA 

tf^ i the Value thereof in Gold or SiK-er, | o ^ 

'^■'"^ ) agreeable to an A(\ of Aflembly paffed | r 

■ Hillfborough the 8th Day of Auguft, 1778. I r 



J* 



The Rising 
S TAT E 



I Fh^ Dollars, i 

g 



g Printed by yA. DAVIS, ^ 

1778. ^ 



Colonial Money. 

fourth of July the Continental Congress issued the famous 
Declaration of Independence. The signers from North Caro- 
lina were William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and John Penn. 
Cornelius Harnett, Chairman of the Committee of Safety, read 
the immortal paper to an immense gathering at Halifax on the 
first day of August, and the provincial militia and the country 
folks shouted their joy and approval. Three and a half months 
later, in the same little town, the last provincial congress met 
and formed the constitution under which the state lived for 
sixty years. Richard Caswell was elected the first governor of 
the independent state. 



^"enes and Events of the Revolution. — After the flight of 
>overnor Martin, for five years there was comparative peace 

i §§ 267-70, Ozir Country. 



i6 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



in the state, though great numbers of North Carolinians were 
under arms in the northern and southern armies. In 1780 the 
tide of war turned southwards, and for two years the state was 
the scene of many famous deeds from Wilmington to King's 
Mountain. The first invasion of Lord Cornwallis's forces was 
checked by the splendid victory at King's Mountain, and the 

British legions under Tarleton were 
harassed by the native soldiers under 
William R. Davie and Joseph Gra- 
ham. In the winter of 1781 Corn- 
wallis entered the state again in his 
famous pursuit of Greene, fixed his 
headquarters at Hillsboro, erected 
the royal standard, and feigned to 
consider the state as reannexed to 
the British Empire. But Greene 
recrossed the Dan and prepared to 
giv^e battle to Cornwallis's ill-fed and 
hard-pushed army. Nothing but the 
destruction of Greene's army could 
save Cornwallis from ruin. The two ^ 
armies met at Guilford Court-House 
on the 15 th of March, 1781, and 
fought the most obstinate battle of 
the Revolution. For hours the issue 
was doubtful, both armies fighting 
with courage and skill. At last Greene drew off in good order, 
but it was a barren victory for the conqueror. " One more 
such victory will ruin the British army," said Fox in the House 
of Commons. Cornwalhs hastily retreated to Wilmington, and 
thence, in time, to his fate at Yorktown. The bloody field, 
through the efforts of Judge David Schenck, has been cc.x- 
verted into a spacious park, peaceful and beautiful, crowned 
here and there with monuments to those who there died that 
we might be free. 




Monument at Guilford. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 1 7 

To all this was added the horror of civil war. Checked by 
Locke at Ramsour's Mills, and by Lee near Hillsboro, the 
Tories never ceased to plunder and murder the families of the 
patriots. There was war in the open field, in the woods, and 
by the hearthstone, David Fanning, one of the most daring 
Tories, actually dashed into Hillsboro and captured and de- 
livered to the British army Thomas Burke, the governor of 
the state. 

CRITICAL PERIOD (I783-I800). 

Adoption of the Constitution. — The close of the great war 
found the people of North Carolina, in common with the other 
states, with impoverished resources, burdened with debt, and 
face to face with many 
grave, new questions. How 
should the war debt be 
paid? How should the 
states become one and yet 

1 all remain free.'' How 
should the people have a 
share in the government ? 
Richard Caswell was re- 
elected governor in 1784. 
The political parties which 

. were to grow into Republi- 
can and Federalist had been 
forming their lines since 
1776. Samuel Johnston, 
William R. Davie, and 

William R. Davie. 

James Iredell led those who 

admired English institutions and hoped to model the new 
state after the motherland. Willie Jones was the foremost 
representative of the new spirit of democracy then rising 

i§§3ii and 316, pp. 198, 201, Otir Country. 





i8 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



in the world. A delegation, headed by William R. Davie, one 
of the most useful men of the time, whether as soldier, gov- 
ernor, or Minister to France, was sent to the Constitutional 
Convention at Philadelphia in 1787, but under the influence 
of the democratic spirit. North Carolina refused to ratify the 
new Constitution and remained out of the Union until Novem- 




ber 19th, 1789. A century 
has justified the wisdom of 
the first refusal, and shows 
that it arose not out of 
mere opposition, but from 
a deliberate purpose to force 
the adoption of the ten 
amendments which guaran- 
teed more certainly the 
rights of the people. 



Samuel Johnston and Ben- 

James Iredell. . . 

jamin Hawkms were our 
first senators, and James Iredell was appointed a justice of the 
first Supreme Court of the United States. | 

The Birth of Tennessee. — North Carolina was the third! 

state in the Union in population at this time, numbering 
391,751 people. Its territory extended from the Atlantic to 
the Mississippi, including the present state of Tennessee, then 
a wild, unbroken forest. Away back in the days when the 
men of the coast were making things unpleasant for Dobbs 
and Tryon, Daniel Boone, like some old hero in mythological 
stories, had gone from his home on the Yadkin to the wild! 
forests of the Watauga, and thence meeting only the savage ancn 
the beast, had fought his way to the Cumberland Mountains.! 
Later, James Robertson and John Sevier passed over thd 
mountains into what is now East Tennessee, and were followedj 
by long emigrant trains of staunch, resolute border men.J 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



19 



These hardy backwoodsmen — unconscious state-builders- — 
may have known that they were under the authority of North 
CaroUna, but they knew still better that their lives depended 
on the strength of their arms and the sureness of their aim. 
They had been foremost in the battle at King's Mountain, and 
did not dream that North Carolina could dispose of their ter- 
ritory. Hence, in 1784, when the state generously offered 
this splendid land to Congress to aid in paying the war debt, 
and Congress delayed its acceptance, Sevier and the Watauga 
people resented such treatment of them by seceding from 
North Carolina and setting up the " State of Franklin " with 
Sevier as governor. Governor Caswell acted firmly but pru- 
dently, and in a few years the new state was dissolved, and 
Sevier took his seat in the North Carolina Legislature as a 
member from the seceded counties. One of the first acts of 
the state as a member of the Union was to cede the territory 
of Tennessee to the United States. Congress accepted this 
deed April 2d, 1790, and Tennessee entered the Union, with 
John Sevier as governor, in 1796. 

The Capital and the University. — Up to 1791 there had 
been no permanent capital in North Carolina. Edenton and 
Newbern had been practically the capitals in later colonial 
times, though the General Assembly had met at seven other 
places. Of course this state of things made it impossible to 
care properly for state papers, and was a great evil. There- 
fore, in the year named, after fierce contest with the friends of 
Fayetteville and in spite of their protest, a thousand acres of 
land were purchased from Joel Lane, in Wake county, for 
$2756, a city was laid off in the forest and given the name of 
Raleigh, in honor of the illustrious warrior and courtier. Sir 
Walter Raleigh. 

It is probable that there had been very little education in 
these years of conflict and growth, save the education that 
comes from dealing with facts and things. Rich men sent 



20 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



their sons abroad or to Harvard and Princeton. The Presby- 
terian preachers carried their grammars along with their testa- 
ments, and taught in a fashion the youth of their flocks. In 
the perilous times of 1776 the makers of the new Constitution 
with splendid wisdom had ordered that " all useful learning 
shall be duly encouraged in one or more universities." A 
charter was granted for the University in 1789 ; Chapel Hill, 
in Orange county, was chosen for the site, and on October 
12th, 1793, the corner-stone of the first building was laid by 
William R. Davie, justly called the "Father of the University." 

THE GROWING COMMONWEALTH (1800-1861). 

Sectionalism and the Constitution of 1835. — The history 
of North Carolina for the next half century is the story of the 
struggle of an agricultural community to develop a prosperous 
state out of different race elements, and laboring under the 
disadvantages of slave labor, poor transportation facilites, and 
the absence of seaports. Before the Revolution, we have seen 
the people of the east and west quarreling with each other 
and shedding each other's blood at Alamance. Common dan- 
ger drew them together during the war, but dissensions were 
renewed over the selection of a capital, and were increased as 
party lines — Federals and Republicans, or Whigs and Demo- 
crats — grew closer and the difficulties of the new republic grew 
greater. The seeds of the trouble were in the Constitution of 
1776. This was far from being a democratic constitution. 
It required a property qualification for voters for members of 
the Upper House, and by its provision that there should be 
one senator and two commoners from each county, and one 
member each from the seven borough towns, ^ gave great advan- 
tage to the eastern counties, where lay most of the talent, 

1 Edenton, Newbern, Wilmington, Salisbury, Hillsborough, Halifax, 
Fayetteville (after 17 91). 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



21 



wealth, and population. The small counties around Albemarle 
Sound had increased very little, save in slaves, for sixty years, 
while the western counties grew rapidly in wealth and num- 
bers. The representation, however, remained the same. A 
dozen eastern counties practically controlled the state. There- 
fore, for sixty years, the legislatures were scenes of wrangling 
and strife between these sections of one state. The admis- 
sion of each new county was the occasion of a struggle and a 
compromise ; larger interests and wider issues were swallowed 
up in this petty warfare, and the subjects of popular debate 
were narrow and local. The usual device for securing admis- 
sion of new counties was for the west to win the support of 
the east by naming the new county after some favorite son ; 
for example, Iredell, Ashe, Buncombe, Haywood. The west, 
fired by the success of the Erie Canal, wanted to build dams and 
locks to make her rivers navigable, but the eastern counties stood 
in the way and blocked legislation. Again, the middle and west 
wanted better educational facilities, but the men of the east sent 
their children abroad for culture. Hence, North Carolina, third 
in 1790, was eleventh in 1840 in population, and her people were 
pouring by thousands into the fertile valleys of Ohio, Tennes- 
see, Kentucky, and Indiana. There were fifty-eight thousand 
native North Carolinians in those states in 1850. The people, 
absorbed in local strife, could not be reached by the appeals 
of far-sighted men like Joseph Caldwell and Archibald Mur- 
phey, and the rising talent of the state turned to national poli- 
tics. This sectional agitation seemed to culminate in 1835, 
when, through the influence of William Gaston, David L. 
Swain, Nathaniel Macon, and others, a convention met in 
Raleigh and amended the old Constitution. Provision was 
made for the election of the governor by the people, religious 
tests for office were abolished, and free negroes were deprived 
of the right to vcte. The state was divided into fifty senato- 
rial districts, based on amount of taxes paid, and the House, 



22 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



called Commons until 1868, was confined to one hundred and 
twenty members, one from each county, and the remainder 
divided among the counties according to federal population. 
E. B. Dudley was the first governor elected by the people.* 
Later, in 1840, after a fierce campaign between David S. Reid 
and Charles Manly, the provision of fifty acres of land which 
men must own to vote for senator was stricken from the Con- 
stitution, and all white men stood equal before the law. 

Railroads. — Dr. Joseph Caldwell, the president of the Uni- 
versity, in 1827, in a series of remarkable letters,^ had advocated 
the building of a railroad run by horse power, from Newbern to 



money had been spent in useless schemes. The discovery 
0£ the application of steam to locomotion — the most wonder- 
ful event of this century — turned the attention of all in 
that direction. In the east, the Raleigh and Gaston, and 
the Wilmington and Weldon Railroads were completed by 
1840, the latter being one of the longest lines then in 




John M. Morehead. 



Paint Rock on the Ten- 
nessee line. Railroad 
building was then a new 
thing in the world. The 
year 1848 was a notable 
year for change and 
improvement all over 
the world. This spirit 
displayed itself in 
North Carolina in rail- 
road agitation. There 
had been a fever over 
internal improvements 
in the state as far back 
as 1820, and much 



^ Ahifnbers of Carlton. 




HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



23 



the world. In 1849, the North CaroUna Railroad, from 
Goldsboro to Charlotte, was incorporated by the state. The 
contest in the Legislature was a bitter one. The vote on the 
bill was a tie in the Senate, the casting vote in favor of the 
bill being given by the speaker, Calvin Graves. Under the 
leadership of Governor John M. Morehead, first president of 
the Road and leader of industrial development in the state, the 
North Carolina Road was built and extended to Newbern and 
Beaufort Harbor. In 1882, under Governor Jarvis, it passed 
Paint Rock. 

The War of 1812 and the Mexican War. — The War of 

181 2 and the Mexican War were both very unpopular in North 
Carolina. The war with the British destroyed for a time the 
trade of our chief seaports, and the war with the Mexicans 
somehow failed to arouse the enthusiasm of the people. Never- 
theless, the state prepared in both cases to serve the Union. 
Soldiers assembled at various important points in the state in 
1812, six regiments in all, ready for action in case they were 
needed, and a regiment and two separate companies went to 
Mexico, where a part of them did valiant service in the field. 
In both wars, individual North Carolinians greatly distinguished 
themselves. Captain Johnson Blakely of Wilmington, command- 
ing the United States sloop of war Wasp, captured and burnt 
many English ships in the channel, and in two of the fiercest 
naval battles of the war destroyed the British sloops of war Rein- 
deer and Avon. Captain Blakely and his entire crew were lost 
at sea soon after the fight with the Avon. No one ever knew 
how they perished. Theodore Roosevelt declares that the War 
of 18 1 2 did not produce an abler commander than Captain 
Blakely.-^ In the Mexican War Captain Braxton Bragg of 
Northampton, afterwards a famous Confederate general, won 
great fame at Buena Vista. Every boy knows the joyful words 
1 " Naval War of 1812," page 326. 



24 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



spoken to him on that day by General Taylor, as he swept the 
enemy with his batteries : " Give them a little more grape, Cap- 
tain Bragg." - 

Slavery. — Slavery, happily, seems a very far-away thing to 
the children of to-day, but it was a very tragic thing in the life 
of our fathers. They did not choose slavery ; they inherited 
it against their will. The North found their slaves unprofit- 
able, and sold them ; the South found theirs valuable in the 
fields, and were overwhelmed by the system. Before the Revo- 
lution there were black slaves, Indian slaves, and white slaves, 
or indented servants, but the number was never greater than 
one-fourth of the population, and the relations between master 
and slaves were gentler than in any other Southern colony. 
This condition of affairs remained true throughout the state's 
history. There were few great slaveholder-s, and therefore 
less opportunity for the evil effects of the system. The slave 
laws read harshly to us to-day, but they were more lenient than 
any similar slave code, until the terror excited by the insurrec- 
tion of the slave Nat Turner in 183 1, and the irritation excited 
by the abolition movement caused them to increase in severity. 
Indeed, there was always a strong sentiment in the state for 
emancipation, and a firm belief that slavery was a temporary 
evil, until the cotton gin appealed to the love of money, and the 
abolitionists gave offense to pride and the idea of self-govern- 
ment. The Quaker element in the state were strongly opposed 
to slavery, and had been from the beginning. The attitude of 
the state toward the institution expressed itself in 1794 by an 
act prohibiting the importation of any slaves, by permitting free 
negroes to vote until 1835, through the action of our churches 
and the voices of eminent men like William Gaston. The 
negroes were, of course, benefitted by their transmission from 
Africa to America, and their labor seemed absolutely neces- 
sary to the cultivation of cotton, our great staple. The true 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



slave was the white man who had these people on his hands as 
chattels. Immigrants turned away from us, we could raise but 
one or two crops, we could have no great manufacturing enter- 
prises, our lands became exhausted, our politicians were doomed 
to discuss one subject, and our poor whites sank deeper and 
deeper in ignorance. In 1850 there were in the state 288,548 
slaves, 27,463 free negroes, and 553,028 white people. Of 
these, 524,725 whites owned no slaves, hence 28,306 men owned 
288,548 slaves. The estimated value of these slaves at $400 a 
head was $115,419,200, over half the entire wealth of the state. 
The Constitution of the United States allowed and protected 
slave property. The men of the North denounced slave-owners, 
and made ready to strip them of over half their wealth. The men 
of the South had much the same feeling that the wealthy manu- 
facturers in the Eastern states would have if it were proposed 
by the South to destroy their establishments and to ruin their 
trade by legislation. The South had, of course, a legal right 
to their property. Most of the slave-owners were kind and 
gentle, and you may read the more romantic and tenderer side 
of slavery in the stories of Joel Chandler Harris and Thomas 
Nelson Page. All men are now glad that there is no such 
thing as legal slavery in America. 

Education. — The people of New England settled in' colo- 
nies, and were of one faith and blood. Consequently, towns 
quickly sprang up. The state of North Carolina was settled 
by individual families of different races, scattered miles, per- 
haps, from their nearest neighbors. There were no good har- 
bors or large towns. We need not be surprised, therefore, at 
the backwardness of the state about schools, churches, and 
newspapers. Men like Edward Moseley and James Innes in 
the very beginning showed great interest in education, but 
they could not overcome these difficulties. In 1749 the first 
act establishing a free school was passed, and in 1766 the first 



26 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



academy was incorporated at Newbern. The Scotch-Irish im- 
migrants brought with them the true impulse for schools, and 
as a result some thirty-five or forty schools were incorporated 
in the latter half of the eighteenth century. Some few of these, 
like David Caldwell's school in Guilford, Patillo's and Bing- 
ham's in Orange, and McCorkle's near Salisbury, were genuinely 
good, and made possible the opening of the University in 1795. 

Colleges and Common Schools. — The University remained 
for nearly a half century the sole source of higher education 
for males in the state, and furnished its leaders in every work 



In this period, too, provision was made for the education 
of all the people in the common schools. North Carolina 
was one of the first states to make constitutional provision for 
common and higher education. The higher came first, and its 
influence in the University made possible the common schools. 
Archibald D. Murphey, justly styled the " Father of the Public 
Schools," by his wise report to the Legislature of 18 16, and 
Joseph Caldwell, by his letters to the people, aroused active 




Archibald D. Murphey. 



of life. The Moravian School at 
Salem (1802) bore the same rela- 
tion to the education of women. 
The period between 1838 and 1848 
includes the largest educational 
and humane activity in our history. 
In this period, besides numbers of 
institutions which there is not space 
to mention, Wake Forest College, 
Davidson, Trinity, St. Mary's, 
Greensboro Female College, the 
Chowan Female Institute, the 
Asylum for the Insane at Ra- 
leigh (1849), the Deaf, Dumb, and 
Blind Institution were established. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



27 



interest in the subject. A small fund was created for public 
schools in 1825, which was increased to ^2,000,000 by the 
general government in 1837, 
the state was ready to estab- 
lish a school system. In 1839 
the act of establishment was 
passed and submitted to the 
counties for ratification. The 
schools began in 1840. Under 
the control of Calvin H. Wiley, 
North Carolina had the best com- 
mon schools among slaveholding 
states, and compared favorably 
with New England, If the peo- 
ple had been taught the lesson 
of local taxation for thorough public schools at this time, the 
civilization of the state would have been advanced tenfold. 




Joseph Caldwell. 



Social Life. — Social life in North Carolina before the Civil 
War differed from general Southern life only in the fact that 
all the towns were small, and slaveholding was not on quite as 
large a scale as in the far South. Still, the characteristic life 
of the upper classes was in the country, in the roomy, many- 
pillared plantation-houses with the adjoining negro quarters 
and the patriarchal arrangements. The representative men 
and women of the period were of the highest type, simple, 
proud, brave, and courteous. It was a life of hospitality, good 
living, good breeding, and little thought of economy. In 1790 
the state promised to become a frugal manufacturing state, but 
organized capital in the North and East, fostered by protection, 
crushed the spirit, and slave labor, by dooming her to agricul- 
ture alone, buried it. The middle classes were not aggressive, 
or ambitious, or literary in their tastes, and by reason of their 
numbers gave the state its peculiar character. The interests 



28 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



of the people were political rather than literary or scientific, 
and their hero was the lawyer, the orator, and the preacher. 
Indeed, this was the golden age of the lawyer, politician, and 
preacher, for the state was a stronghold of simple, religious 
faith. These men were the teachers of the people, rather than 
text-books and newspapers. This teaching was thorough, if 
narrow and not conducive to many-sided progress. An unlet- 
tered Carolina farmer would have astonished a Yankee farmer 
alike by his carelessness about local alfairs and his profound 

knowledge of the Missouri 
Compromise or the Dred Scott 
decision. Such things as good 
roads or good schools were 
small matters to him, compared 
to the success of Old Hick- 
ory," or of Henry Clay. 

The state, however, as a re- 
sult of this tuition, and of the 
character of her public leaders, 
gained a national reputation for 
character and honor and stabil- 
ity, and men like Nathaniel 
Macon, speaker of the House, 
Willie P. Mangum, president of 
the Senate, William A. Graham, James C. Dobbin, Thomas 
Ruffin, George E. Badger, and John M. Morehead were known 
throughout the Union. Perhaps the most distinguished and 
useful citizen of the whole period was William A. Graham of 
Orange county, governor, senator, member of cabinet, can- 
didate for the vice-presidency. 




William A. Graham. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



29 



Cim WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION (I86I-I876). 

Ordinance of Secession. — North Carolina was next to the 
last state to enter the Federal Union in 1789, and she was 
likewise the next to the last state to leave it and enter the 
Southern Confederacy in 1861. The sentiment of the state 
was opposed to secession, or to separation from the Union, 
because of Mr. Lincoln's election, and so expressed itself by a 
majority of six hundred and sixty-two votes against holding a 




convention, and of nearly thirty thousand votes for Union del- 
egates. This was done on February 28th, 1861, nearly a 
month after the formation of the Southern Confederacy. Every 
effort was made by the state to remain honorably in the' Union. 
She sent delegations to the peace conventions at Montgomery 
and Washington, but Mr. Lincoln's demand that she contribute 
fifteen hundred men to subdue her sister states turned the tide 
of feeling, and made all unanimous. On May 20th, 1861, the 
Ordinance of Secession was adopted at Raleigh ; Governor 
John W. Ellis, anticipating this, had already called for twenty 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



31 



thousand volunteers, and the state prepared to take part in the 
greatest war of modern times. 

Leading Military Movements. — Thirty-six engagements 
were fought in North Carolina during these terrible five years, 
beginning with the capture of Fort Hatteras by the Federals 
in August, 186 1, and ending with the surrender of Johnston at 
Durham, in April, 1865. The first two years of the war were 
years of success for the South, and thousands of North Caro- 
linians were with the victorious armies of Lee and Jackson in 
Virginia. Perhaps the most notable events in the state were 
the recapture of Plymouth by General R. F. Hoke and General 
Matt. W. Ransom in 1864; the defeat of the Federal fleet in 
Roanoke River by the ram Albermarle, built near Halifax, after 
a desperate battle of two hours ; the heroic defense of Fort 
Fisher under Lamb and Whiting, and Johnston's last stand 
against Sherman at Bentonville. In the spring of 1862 our 
entire sea-coast was in the hands of the Federals, save the port 
of Wilmington, the last port open to the Confederacy. This 
meant blockade to the state, and blockade always means great 
privation and hardship. In and out of this one inlet the dar- 
ing blockade-runners, painted so as to be almost invisible, 
darted on their perilous trips to Nassau or Bermuda, with the 
great Parrott guns of the Federal gunboats thundering in 
their wake. As the end came, which our splendid valor had 
only delayed, the state suffered the same fate which our fore- 
fathers had endured in 1780-81. Sherman from the southwest, 
Stoneman from over the mountains, Schofield and Terry from 
Wilmington, spread over the state. True to her character, 
the state endured to the last. Soldiers of North Carolina 
went farthest up the slopes of Gettysburg under Pettigrew, 
and made the last charge at Appomattox. The last great 
C'onfederate Army surrendered near Durham, and Jefferson 
Davis held his last cabinet meeting in the town of Charlotte. 



32 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



And greatest of all, it was found that the state had contributed 
to the armies of the Confederacy about one hundred and 
twenty-five thousand men, one-fifth of her entire white popu-: 
lation, and one-fifth of all the troops that constituted the Con- 
federate Army. She had also contributed, with the exception 
of Virginia, the largest sum of money for the equipment of the 
army of Northern Virginia, and again it was proven that the 
reluctant revolutionist is the dangerous and determined one. 




The Ram "Albemarle" and the Federal Fleet, 



Last Days of the War. — Thirty thousand men, the flower 
of her citizenship, were killed in battle, among them such 
prominent soldiers as Generals James Johnston Pettigrew, W. D. 
Pender, S. D. Ramseur, George B. Anderson, and L. O'B. 
Branch.^ Two hundred and seventy students of the University 

1 At the west gate of the capitol at Raleigh stands a splendid monument, 
erected in 1895 hy the Ladies' Monumental Association, to this host or 
brave men. It is constructed entirely of North Carolina granite, and rises 
to the height of seventy-two feet. The shaft, a solid block of granite 
twenty-eight feet high, is surmounted by the bronze figure of a Confederate 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



33 



gave their lives to the cause. We cannot here describe the 
condition of the people in these sad days. All classes did 
their duty with patience and hero- 
ism. The rich poured out their 
wealth and blood, the poor gave 
their Hves, and even the negroes 
tended faithfully their masters' 
crops. At last there were few left 
at home except women and old 
men. All articles of clothing, even 
shoes, were made at home by patient 
wives and daughters. Flour sold 
at $ioo a barrel ; corn meal at $50 
a bushel. Fine ladies drank coffee 
made of parched rye or potatoes, 
and read the old dingy newspapers by the glare of lightwood 
knots or tallow candles. 




James Johnston Pettigrev 



Zebulon B. Vance. — In the summer of 1862 Colonel Zebu- 
Ion B. Vance, then a young man of thirty-two, was called from 
the army in the field and made governor of the state, — the 
youngest in its history. This was the wisest act of those diffi- 
cult days. Vance remained governor during the entire war, and 
though he had originally opposed secession, became famous 
as the ablest Southern war governor. He had the genius of 
popularity. His inspiring speeches sent the soldiers to the 
front ; his vigilance and good judgment preserved the power 
of the civil law, and upheld the character of the state when it 
was proposed that she should abandon the Confederacy. His 

infantryman, and on either side of the base is a life-size figure, one an 
infantryman, the other an artilleryman. The west side bears the inscrip- 
tion, "To Our Confederate Dead"; On the east side is the inscription, 
" First at Bethel, Last at Appomattox." There is no nobler war monu- 
ment south of the Ohio. 



34 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



foresight made our soldiers the best clothed and the best fed 
in the Confederate Army. Under his orders, an agent in Eng- 
land purchased swift vessels to be used for running the block- 
ade. For two years these vessels, and especially the Ad- 




Zebulon B. Vance. 



Vance, ran the blockade at Wilmington and brought back from 
the West Indies clothes, shoes, and medicine for the soldiers 
of North Carolina and the South, and cotton and wool cards 
for their wives and children at home. Vance remained for 
thirty years the most eminent and best-beloved son of the 
state. 

After the War. — It is not possible in a short outline like 
this to describe fully the changes and trials of the state for the 
next ten years. Former masters were reduced to poverty, ancss 
former slaves elevated to free men and voters. The state was'e 
treated as a conquered province, and placed under military^ 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



35 



law. Farm lands, towns, and cities had been plundered or 
had gone to ruin. The University and the common schools, 
their funds destroyed, closed their doors. All financial institu- 
tions were wrecked, and there was the inevitable friction be- 
tween the proud, brave masters and the negroes, now their 
political equals. The negroes themselves, in many cases, were 
helpless, though happy in the freedom to do as they liked with- 
out restraint. Many adventurers, called in derision " carpet- 
baggers,'' poured into the state, gained influence over the 
negroes, and used them for their own ends. Some of these 
newcomers made the state their home, and in time became 
useful and honorable citizens. The native white men of cul- 
ture and experience, unable to vote, were swept out of public 
life for a time, and their places filled by the negroes or the 
carpet-baggers. 

Perhaps no people have ever acted with more dignity and 
bravery in defeat than the men and women in North Carolina 
in the years immediately following. the war. They simply went 
to work in proud, silent determination to rebuild their homes 
.and maintain their honor. 

Reconstruction. — The process by which the state became 
again a member of the Union is known as Reconstruction. It 
took three years to accomplish this, and they were years of 
revolution, corruption, and uncertainty. The course of affairs 
was something like this: On April 14th. 1865, ^Ybraham Lin- 
coln was assassinated by a crazy fanatic. This was a genuine 
blow to the South, for Mr. Lincoln was a wise and humane 
man. On May 29th, President Andrew Johnson appointed Wil- 
liam W. Holden provisional governor of North Carolina, with 
instructions to call a convention composed of delegates who 
had not been actively disloyal to the Union. The convention 
thus called met in October, emancipated the slaves, repealed 
the Ordinance of Secession, and provided for an election by 



36 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



the people. Under this election Jonathan Worth was elected 
governor, was inaugurated December 15th, 1865, and held 
office until reelected in the fall for two more years. The same 
convention, at an adjourned session the following summer, 
adopted a new constitution, which was voted down by the 
people. President Johnson and Congress now began to differ 
and wrangle over the reconstruction policy. Congress claimed 
that it was a legislative right to provide for permanent govern- 
ment in the seceded states. Therefore, in defiance of the 
president, Congress declared the government instituted by 
Johnson merely provisional, and placed the state under mili- 
tary rule. Congress then ordered General Canby, military 
governor of the state, to call a convention to form a new con- 
stitution, which was done in 1868. This constitution went 
into operation in July of that year. General Canby, at Charles- 
ton, was the sole judge of all election returns held under this 
constitution, and he declared William W. Holden governor of 
the state. The first Legislature under this constitution con- 
tained many negroes and carpet-baggers, who attempted to 
involve the state in debt by the issue of the famous " special 
tax bonds." This constitution of 1868 was amended in 1874 
and in 1875. The people adopted these amendments in 1876, 
just one hundred years after the adoption of the first constitution. 
The constitution of 1776 was amended four times during its life, 
and the constitution of 1868 has been amended three times. 

Ku-Klux Klan and Impeachment of Holden. — In the 

confusion of these times many crimes were committed which 
were attributed to the negroes belonging to the Loyal League, 
and men began to feel that their lives and property were un- 
safe. Suddenly, in the spring of 1869 it became noised about that 
bodies of horsemen were riding abroad day and night, punishing 
criminals, and meting out vengeance to those whom they decided 
to be guilty. There was an air of mystery and ghostliness about 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



37 



their movements that created a panic of fear among the timid and 
guilty. This was the famous Ku-Kkix Klan, organized by des- 
perate men, and operating in the very region made famous by the 
regulators in Tryon's time. It was not a general state move- 
ment, but was local in its nature. It was the effort of violence 
to suppress violence. In Alamance and Caswell counties the 
Ku-Klux hung a mulatto preacher, and besides many whip- 
pings were credited with a 
mysterious murder, which 
they denied. In Robeson 
county, Henry Berry 
Lowry, a Croatan half- 
breed, w^ith a gang of 
ruffians, murdered and 
plundered for months with 
apparent impunity, while 
Governor Holden was seek- 
ing vainly to crush the Ku- 
Klux. Holden had fallen 
upon perilous times, and 
had neither the character 

Matt W. Ransom. 

nor the wisdom necessary 

for the hour. He declared martial law in Alamance and 
Caswell counties, and entrusted its execution to a brutal 
soldier from Tennessee, named Kirk. Kirk arrested over one 
hundred men, many of them eminent citizens, regardless of 
their guilt, and cast them into prison. The orders of the state 
courts were disregarded by him, and the state underwent a 
short reign of terror until the power of the civil law was re- 
stored by George W. Brooks, an upright Federal judge. The 
Legislature of 1870, after a long and impartial trial, solemnly 
convicted Governor Holden of high crimes and misdemeanors 
committed during this period, and declared him incapable of 
holding any office of honor or profit in the. state. 




38 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



The Klan was then vigorously suppressed by the United 
States Government, and during the administrations of Tod R. 
Caldwell and Curtis H. Brogden happier and more peaceful 
conditions began to prevail. The state was restored to some 
of its former rights, and became represented in the Senate by 
Matt W. Ransom and A. S. Merrimon. The University, which 
had not ceased during the years of the war, was virtually closed 
for seven years by act of Governor Holden. Through the 
efforts of Kemp P. Battle, it was now (1875) revived, and be- 
gan a larger and wider life under his presidency. 



WORTH CAROLIWA SINCE RECONSTRUCTION (I876-I896). 

Political Events. — In 1876 Zebulon B. Vance, after an ex- 
citing political campaign with Judge Thomas Settle, was elected 
for a third time governor of the state. The Democratic party, 
thus restored to power, has controlled the affairs of the state 
for twenty years, through the administrations of Governors Jar- 
vis, Scales, Fowle, Holt, and Carr. Governor Vance was 
elected to the United States Senate in 1878, where he re- 
mained until his death in April, 1895. In the fall of 1895, the 
Populist and Republican parties combined, and gained control 
of the legislative and judicial departments of the state.^ Ma- 
rion Butler was elected to the United States Senate to succeed 
Matt W. Ransom, subsequently appointed minister to Mexico, 
and Jeter C. Pritchard was chosen to fill the unexpired term of 
Senator Vance. The political life of the period has been com- 
paratively free from exciting events or unusual measures, and 
has been marked by uprightness and integrity in public life. 
The people have been bravely trying to separate themselves 

1 The People's Party, subsequently called Populist Party, was formed at 
Omaha, Neb., July 4th, 1892. L. L. Polk of North Carolina was very 
prominent in the movement which led to its formation. 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



39 



from the wreck of the old times, and to find the clew to the 
new conditions made necessary by negro suffrage, free labor, 



and the dethronement of 
reaching movement of the 
forward of the plain peo- 
demanding their share in 
to be trained for its re- 
ment has been, in effect, 
party lines, and otherwise 
political life of the state, 
despite hard times and many 
self-reliant and energetic, and 
attention to home and local 

Education. — The first 
people is to care for the 



king cotton. The most far- 
times has been the coming 
pie in various organizations, 
government, and their right 
sponsibilities. This move- 
a revolution disturbing 
introducing change in the 
The period, on the whole, 
great difficulties, has been 
the people have given wiser 
affairs than ever before. 

concern of every defeated 
education of the rising gen- 



Capitol and Confederate Monument at Raieigh. 



40 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



eration. State and Church have recognized this in North 
Carohna. The University, since its revival in 1875, has 




schools 



grown constantly 
in power and num- 

1 its num- 
all the 

2 greater 
er before 

in its history. The Agri- 
cultural and Mechanical College 
in Raleigh, the State Normal 
and Industrial School at Greens- 
boro, and the Agricultural and 
Mechanical College for the col- 
ored people in Greensboro 
are evidences of the state's 
interest in skilled labor and 
the training of the women, so 
long neglected. Wake Forest 
College, Davidson, Trinity, 
Elon, Guilford, and other in- 
stitutions for men and women, 
controlled by the religious de- 
nominations, have prospered, 
and are doing important work in the life of the state. In 
the secondary education, the spread of the city schools sup- 




A Group of University Buildings. 



1 Memorial Hall. 

2 New East Building. 

3 South Building. 



4 Garrard Hall. 

5 Smith Hall. 

6 Old East Building 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



ported by taxation, from Wilmington to Asheville, has been 
the most notable event, because they have taught the people 
that they must rely on local effort to educate their children. 
The common schools in which nine-tenths of the children of 
both races receive their education are still far from efficient, 
averaging a little over twelve weeks in a year. The state, 
however, has trebled its appropriation for the purpose since 
1870, and has greatly decreased its rate of illiteracy since 
1880. It now ranks as number forty-two in the scale of illit- 
eracy, with six states below it. The main cause of this inade- 
quate common-school system is the absence of laws permitting 
an appeal to the people for local taxation for the education of 
their children. This was partially removed by an act of the 
Legislature in 1895, and these schools of the people will doubt- 
less increase largely in the next ten years. 

In its provision for the training of teachers the state has 
been fairly progressive. The first normal school, established 
at the University in 1877, was followed by eight normal schools 
for the white race at various points in the state. This was suc- 
ceeded by the system of county institutes, which carried instruc- 
tion to the people, and finally by the establishment of the State 
Normal and Industrial School at Greensboro. There is no dis- 
crimination in our laws as to length of school terms between 
the white and colored children of the state. The colored peo- 
ple have seven normal schools supported by the state, and six 
first-grade colleges and universities endowed or maintained by 
northern philanthropy. 

In its work of upbuilding, the state has not neglected the 
unfortunate and defective classes. The institutions for the in- 
sane and the deaf and dumb at Morganton are equal to any in 
the Southern states. 

Agriculture and Industry. — North Carolina is essentially 
an agricultural state. In the last ten years there has been a 



42 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



large increase in the population of towns like Wilmington, Ra- 
leigh, Charlotte, Winston, Durham, Asheville, and Greensboro, 
but still there are but twenty towns having a population of 
over twenty-five hundred in the state, and ninety-six men out 
of every hundred live in the country or in small villages. Our 
agricultural character is due partly to the central location of 
the state between the rigors of the North and the heat of the 
South, enabling all forms of vegetation to grow easily ; partly 
to our lack of ports, and partly to the system of slavery which 
forced the state to rely upon farming for its wealth. The chief 
crops are cotton, corn, tobacco, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, and 
rice. Ninety-two counties in the state raise cotton, and the 
yield is six times as great as it was in i860. The area for 
tobacco culture has extended from the far east to the mountain 
hillsides ; only twelve out of ninety-six counties are returned as 
not producing tobacco. Stock raising, and truck farming, arid 
greater attention to the production of home supplies have been 
the most hopeful tendencies of agricultural life. The state, 
too, in its Experiment Station and farmers' institutes, takes a 
keener interest in the welfare of the farmer. 

All signs point to the belief that North Carolina is destined 
to become a great manufacturing state. In 1890 there were 
three thousand six hundred and sixty-seven manufacturing 
establishments in the state, yielding annual products of over 
$40,000,000 — five times as great a yield as in i860. North 
Carolina no longer lays its chief claim to prosperity on tar, 
pitch, and turpentine. In the manufacture of cotton and to- 
bacco the state now occupies a foremost place among Southern 
states. There are in the state one hundred and seventy-seven 
cotton and woolen mills, and the number is increasing rapidly. 
The cotton mills convert into cloth or yarns the equivalent of 
all the cotton grown in the state. The growth of the tobacco 
manufacture has had more influence than any other industry 
in stimulating energy and increasing city population. It has 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



43 



almost created such towns as Durham, Winston, and Reids- 
ville. There are now in the state two hundred and fifty tobacco 
factories, consuming annually thirty-five millions of pounds of 
tobacco. Two of them are among the largest in this country. 
The two towns of Winston and Durham pay revenue equal to 
five times the expenditure of the state government in 1850. 
The encouraging thing about all this is that these great con- 
cerns are. largely owned by home capital, and managed by 
home skill. There is not space to speak of the many wood- 
working factories, and the great fisheries of the eastern coast, 
and the unused water power which may yet complete the trans- 
formation of the state from an agricultural to a manufacturing 
community.^ 

The state is now interlaced with railroads, connecting with 
the great main lines of the United States. At the close of the 
year 1895, there were in the state three thousand six hundred 
and forty miles of railway. 

Western Carolina. — The beautiful mountain land of west- 
ern North Carolina was practically unknown to the country, 
and even to the state, until the completion of the road which 
pierced the mountains to the Tennessee line. Since that time 
it has become famous as a health resort all over the Union. 
Asheville, the metropolis of the region, has increased tenfold in 
its population, and the valleys of the Swannanoa, and the 
French Broad, and the Highlands of Watauga are covered 
with beautiful estates and splendid homes. The old warfare 
between the east and the west has disappeared with the easy 

^ In 1870 there were only 30,000 spindles in operation in North Carolina. 
To-day there are 913,458 and 24,858 looms. Capital invested in cotton 
mills, $15,000,000; number of employees, 15,752. 

North Carolina cultivated and sold in 1895, 82,000,000 pounds of 
tobacco, 35,000,000 pounds of this amount being manufactured in the 
state. Capital invested in tobacco industries, $26,000,000 ; number of 
employees, 32,000. 



44 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



means of communication, and the next century will probably 
see the west occupying a position in the state similar to that 
which the Albemarle region held in our colonial and ante- 
bellum life. 

The " Qualla Boundary," as it is called, embracing portions of 
the counties of Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, and Swain, is the 
home of fifteen hundred and twenty Cherokee Indians, the 
largest band of Indians in the southeastern part of the United 
States. These Indians are a corporate body, holding sixty-five 
thousand acres of land. They are voters and taxpayers in 
North Carolina, but have their chiefs and preserve many of the 
customs of old Indian life. In the valley of the Ocona Lufta 
there is a training school for them, where the little Indians 
are taught to become useful and self-supporting citizens. 

Literature and Religion. — North Carolina can lay no claim 

to great achievement in the writing of books. In the making 
of history we have played the part of men, but the telling of 
the story, and, indeed, all forms of literature, we have left to 
others. There had been organized government in North Car- 
olina a hundred and forty-seven years before pen was set tc 
paper to tell the story, and that incomplete and inaccurate, 
The state intellect manifested itself in statesmanship, oratory 
and legal power. Men of genuine literary gifts, like Williair 
Gaston, William Hooper, George E. Badger, and George Da- 
vis contented themselves with a pamphlet or a speech or a 
commencement address. There have always been many pea 
pie of the highest culture in the state, but there have not beer 
quite enough of them to sustain literary ambition. These cul 
tivated classes got their literature from abroad, and hence 
native talent was either stifled or left the state. There ha* 
been an awakening in this respect in the last twenty years, am 
it will continue as the state rises in the scale of illiteracy. 
The best index of this improvement is the number and char- 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



45 



acter of the newspapers in the state. There are now two hun- 
dred and thirty-five of these — twenty-three daily — four times 
as many as there were in 1861. Their contents and character 
indicate a better and more refined public taste. The publica- 
tion of the Colonial Records, by William L. Saunders, has 
greatly stimulated interest in state history, and in the last de- 
cade a number of important books have been written by native 
scholars. North Carolina cannot be said to be unmindful of 
the services of her great men, but she has been strangely 
neglectful of their memory. There is not a statue to a North 
Carolinian within the borders of the state. 

Over two centuries ago, George Fox, the great Quaker, found 
the people of Albemarle very " tender " in religious matters. 
This has remained the character of the people. Over three- 
fifths of the population above ten years of age are members of 
some church, and the state is essentially religious. God-fearing, 
orthodox and Protestant. There is no community in America 
where any form of unbelief receives less adherence, or where 
the clergy and the church are more influential. The Baptists 
are the largest denomination in numbers, and in value of church 
property, followed closely by the Methodists. The other relig- 
ious bodies are strong in the localities where settlements of 
their faith were made in early days. 

Conclusion. — As this brief outline has shown, the growth 
of North Carolina has been slow and difficult. Two hundred 
and thirty-six years ago the little community consisted of a few 
pioneer families struggling for existence along the wide waters 
of the Albemarle Sound. To-day it is a state equal in area to 
the kingdom of England, containing a population of about 
one million eight hundred thousand, and divided into ninety- 
six counties. This land area stretches from the semi-tropical 
coast region to the highest elevation of land east of the Rocky 
Mountains, giving the state an unusual variety of plant life 



46 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



and minerals, and a wide range of climate. The mineral 
wealth of the state, though more remarkable for variety than 
quantity, promises valuable returns as scientific methods are 
more and more applied to its discovery and use. The assessed 
wealth now amounts to $255,946,998.99, about the figures for 
the year 1861. North Carolina has thus more than repaired 
the losses of the great war, for over half of the wealth of that 
day was unreal, being property in slaves. The people of North 
Carolina are of almost unmixed blood ; not one person in four 
hundred is of foreign birth, and the state has the smallest for- 
eign element in its population of any state in the Union. A 
great public meeting in North Carolina is like a family gather- 
ing. A little less than a third of the population are people of 
African descent. These people constitute the bulk of the 
laboring class. Their progress since their freedom has been 
slow, but real progress has been made. They have their 
schools, supported by Northern philanthropy and by state 
taxation. They have their churches, newspapers, and social 
organizations, and are under the protection of the laws equally 
with the whites. The colored people show real eagerness for 
the education of their children, and when this education is 
given a manual, rather than a literary tendency, a genuine 
advance in their life may be expected. 

Historians have sometimes found it hard to find the thread 
of development in the life of this state, but it is plain enough 
to those who know its history. North Carolina has never been 
a hasty, noisy, forward state, but rather prudent, and quiet. 
When, however, she has entered upon a path of action, she has 
proven herself very firm, and stern, and enduring. Her pro- 
gress has not been by fits and starts, but by slow, patient steps, 
which are seldom retraced. The people of the state have 
maintained in war and in peace a high character for honesty, 
simplicity, and trustworthiness. They have loved better than 
fame or prominence the simple paths of dignity, peace, and 



HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



47 



respect for law, though they have been quick enough to resent 
any form of oppression or injustice. The state has always 
been jealous of her purse-strings, and still more jealous of her 
liberty. Indeed, the feeble Latin legend upon her shield might 
well be replaced by one phrase expressing the deepest meaning 
of her history, Respect for Chartered Eights, aiid Resistance to 
Unjust Authority. 




state Seal, 



APPENDIX. 



GOVERNORS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



Under the Lords Proprietors. 

William^Drummond, 1663-67. 

Samuel Stephens, 1667-70. 

Peter Carteret, 1670. 

Samuel Stephens, 1670-74. 

Peter Carteret, 1674-75. 

John Jenkins (acting), 1675. 

John Harvey (acting), 1675-76. 

Thomas Eastchurch, 1676-77. 

Thomas Miller (acting), 1677-78. 

John Harvey (acting), 1678. 

John Jenkins, 1678-81. 

Henry Wilkinson, 1681-83. 

Seth Southwell (Sothel), 1683-89. 
I Philip Ludwell, 1 68.9-91. 
j Alexander Lillington, 1691-94. 
1 Thomas Harvey, 1694-99. 
' Henderson Walker, 1 699-1 704. 
j Robert Daniel, 1704-05. 

Thomas Cary, 1705-06. 

William Glover (acting), 1706-07. 

Thomas Cary (acting), 1707-08. 

Thomas Cary and William Glover, 
contestants, 1708-10. 

Edward Hyde, 17 10-12. 

Thomas Pollock (acting), 1713-14. 
I Charles Eden, 1714-22. 
I Thomas Pollock (acting), 1722. 



William Reed (acting), 1722-24. 
George Burrington, 1724-25. 
Edward Moseley (acting), 1725. 
Sir Richard Everard, 1725-29. 

Under the Crown. 

George Burrington, 1729-34. 
Nathaniel Rice (acting), 1734. 
Gabriel Johnston, 1734-52. 
Nathaniel Rice (acting), 1752. 
Matthew Rowan (acting), 1752-54. 
Arthur Dobbs, 1754-65. 
William Tryon, 1765-71. 
James Hurell (acting), 1771. 
Josiah Martin, 1771-75. 

Governors of the State. 

Richard Caswell. 1777-79- 
Abner Nash, 1779-81. 
Thomas Burke, 1781-82. 
Alexander Martin, 1782-84. 
Richard Caswell, 1784-87. 
Samuel Johnston, 1787-89. 
Alexander Martin, 1789-92. 
Richard D. Spaight, 1792-95. 
Samuel Ashe, 1795-98. 
William R. Davie, 1798-99. 



50 



APPENDIX. 



Benjamin Williams, 1 799-1 802. 
James Turner, 1802-05. 
Nathaniel Alexander, 1805-07. 
Benjamin Williams, 1807-08. 
David Stone, 1808-10. 
Benjamin Smith, 1810-11. 
William Hawkins, 1811-14. 
William Miller, 1814-17. 
John Branch, 1817-20. 
Jesse Franklin, 1820-21. 
Gabriel Holmes, 1821-24. 
Hutchings G. Burton, 1824-27. 
James Iredell, 1827-28. 
John Owen, 1828-30. 
Montford Stokes, 1830-32. 
David L. Swain, 1832-35. 
Richard D. Spaight, Jr., 1835-37. 
Edward B. Dudley, 1837-41. 
John M. Morehead, 1841-45. 



1 



William A. Graham, 1845-49. 
Charles Manly, 1849-51. 
David S. Reid, 1851-54. 
Warren Winslow (acting), 1854-55. 
Thomas Bragg, 1855-59. 
John W. Ellis, 1859-61. 
H. T. Clark (acting), 1861-62. 
Zebulon B. Vance, 1862-65. 
W. W. Holden (provisional), 1865. 
Jonathan Worth, 1865-68. 
W. W. Holden, 1868-70. 
Tod R. Caldwell, 1870-74. 
Curtis H. Brogden, 1874-77. 
Zebulon B. Vance, 1877-78. 
Thomas J. Jarvis, 1878-85. 
Alfred M. Scales, 1885-89. 
Daniel G. Fowle, 1889-91. 
Thomas M. Holt, 1891-93. 
Elias Carr, 1893- 



STATISTICS OF POPULATION OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

1 790-1 890. 



Free 

Whites. Negroes. Slaves. Total. 

1790 288,204 4,975 100,572 393.751 

1800 337,764 7,043 133,296 478,103 

1810 376,410 10,266 168,824 555,500 

1820 419,200 14,612 205,017 638,829 

1830 472,843 19,543 245,601 737,987' 

1840 484,870 22,732 245,817 735,419 

1850 553,028 27,463 288,548 869,039 

i860 629,942 30,463 331,059 991,464 



1870 678,470 

1880 867,242 

1890 .... 1,055,382 



Colored 
People. 

391,650 

531,277 
561,018 



1,071,361 

1,399,750 
1,617,947 



Percentage of Increase. 



I790-I800 . . 


. . 17.19 


41.56 


32.53 


21.42 


I800-I8IO . . 


. , 11.44 


45-76 


26.65 


16.19 


I8IO-I820 . . 


. . 11.36 


42.33 


21.43 


15- 


I820-I830 . . 


. . 12.79 


33-74 


19.17 


15-52 


I830-I840 . . 


• . .2.54 


16.13 


0.08 


2.09 


I 840-1 8 50 . . 


. . 14.05 


20.81 


17-38 


15-35 


1850-1860 . . 


• • 13-91 


14.40 


14-73 


14.22 


1860-1870 . . 


. . 7.70 


8.33 




7-93 


1870-1880 . . 


. . 27.82 


35-65 




30-65 


1880-1890 . . 


. . 2T.69 


5.60 




15-59 



page 52 blanl^ 



THE COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA AND 
THEIR NAMES. 



The counties of North Carolina have increased in number 
from two, Albemarle and Bath, in 1696, to ninety-six in 1896. 

A study of the origin of the names of these counties will 
reveal ihuch of the history of the state. 

The names given were in rare cases fanciful, and for the 
most part commemorate some important event or individual 
connected with our state life. History, like charity, should 
begin at home, and the children should at least know the 
history of their own counties and towns. 

The following list is arranged alphabetically, and contains, 
in addition to the origin of the county name, the date of forma- 
tion and the county town. 

Alamance (1849), Graham, name derived from an Indian tribe 

which owned land embraced in that comity, 
Alexander (1847), Taylorsville, from William Julius Alexander, 

of Mecklenburg, Speaker of the North Carolina House of 

Commons. 

Alleghany (1859), Sparta, from the range of mountains of that 
name. 

Anson (1749), Wadesboro, from George, Lord Anson, an admiral 
in the British Navy, who was charged with the duty of bringing 
Charlotte of Mecklenburg as a bride to George III. 

Ashe (1799), Jefferson, from Governor Samuel Ashe, of New Han- 
over, one of the first judges of the state. 

Beaufort (1705), Washington, from Henry, Duke of Beaufort, pur- 
chaser of the share owned by George Monk, Duke of Albemarle. 

Bertie (1722), Windsor, from James and Henry Bertie, owners of 
the share of Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon. 



54 COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 1|H 

Bladen (1734), Elizabethtown, from Martin Bladen, a member of 

the Board of Trade in London, 
Brunswick (1764), Southport, in honor of the marriage of Princess 

Augusta, daughter of George II., to Frederick WilHam, Duke 

of Brunswick. 

Buncombe (1791), Asheville, from Col. Edward Buncombe, killed 
at Germantown. 

Burke (1777), Morganton, from Thomas Burke, afterwards gov- 
ernor of the state. 

Cabarrus (1792), Concord, from Stephen Cabarrus, a popular 
Speaker of the House of Commons. 

Caldwell (1841), Lenoir, from Dr. Joseph Caldwell, first president 
of the University and strong advocate of educational and indus- 
trial enterprises. 

Camden (1777), Camden C. H., from Charles Pratt, Earl of Cam- 
den, Lord High Chancellor of England, and an able opponent 
of the policy of taxing the colonies. 

Carteret (1722), Beaufort, from John, Lord Carteret. 

Caswell (1777), Yanceyville, from Gen. Richard Caswell, first gov- 
ernor under the Constitution of 1776. 

Catawba (1842), Newton, from Indian tribe. 

Chatham (1770), Pittsboro, from WilHam Pitt the elder, later Earl 
of Chatham, the " Great Commoner." j 
Cherokee (1839), Murphy, from Indian tribe. ' 
Chowan (1672), Edenton, from Indian tribe. 

Clay (1861), Hayesville, from Henry Clay, the great Kentucky^ 
statesman. 

Cleveland (1841), Shelby, from Col. Benjamin Cleaveland, a gallant 
officer at King's Mountain. 

Columbus (1808), Whiteville, from Christopher Columbus, the dis- 
coverer of America. 

Craven (171 2), Newbern, from William, Lord Craven, one of the- 
Lords Proprietors. 

Cumberland (1754), Fayetteville, from the Duke of Cumberland, 
second son of George II., victor at Culloden. The Scotch 
Highlanders settled this county. 

Currituck (1672), Currituck C. H., from Indian tribe. 



COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



55 



Dare (1870), Manteo, from Virginia Dare. 

Davidson (1822), Lexington, from Gen. William Davidson, killed 
at Cowan's Ford. 

Davie (1836), Mocksville, from William R. Davie, a brilliant soldier 

and statesman of North Carolina. 
Duplin (1749), Kenansville, from George Henry, Lord Duplin, an 

English peer. 

Durham (1881), Durham, from the town of Durham, which was 

named from the owner of the land. Dr. B. L. Durham. 
' Edgecombe (1732), Tarboro, from Sir Richard, Baron Edgecombe, 

a Lord of the Treasury. The family name is derived from 

Mt. Edgecombe, near the source of the river Taw in Devonshire. 
FoRSYTHE (1849), Winston, from Benjamin Forsythe, of Stokes 

County, killed in Canada. 
Franklin (1779), Louisburg, from Benjamin Franklin, the great 

philosopher and statesman. 
Gaston (1846), Dallas, from William Gaston, of Craven, a leading 

member of the Convention of 1835, judge of Supreme Court, and 

author of "Old North State." 
Gates (1779), Gatesville, from Horatio Gates, the conqueror of 

Burgoyne. 

Graham (1872), Robbinsville, from William A. Graham, of Orange, 

governor, senator, and Secretary United States Navy. 
Granville (1746), Oxford, from Carteret, Earl of Granville, Prime 

Minister under George IL 
Greene (1799), Snow Hill, from Gen. Nathaniel Greene, the ablest 

general under Washington, who prevented the subjugation of 

the Carolinas by Cornwallis. 
Guilford (1770), Greensboro, from Francis, Earl of Guilford, 

father of the English Prime Minister, Lord North. 
Halifax (1758), Halifax, from George, Earl of Halifax, president 

of the Board of Trade and Plantations. 
Harnett (1855), LilHngton, from Cornelius Harnett, of New 

Hanover, president of Provincial Council. 
Haywood (1808), Waynesville, from John Haywood, of Edgecombe, 

a popular treasurer of the state. 
Henderson (1838), Hendersonville, from Leonard Henderson, 



56 



COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



chief justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, and 

Archibald Henderson, member of Congress from Rowan. 
Hertford (1759), Winton, from Francis Seymour Conway, Earl of 

Hertford, a friend of the colonies. 
Hyde (1705), Swan Quarter, from the family name of the Earls of 

Clarendon. Edward Hyde, the grandfather of Queens Mary and 

Anne, was the first Earl of Clarendon. 
Iredell (1788), Statesville, from James Iredell the elder, a 

prominent advocate of the adoption of the Constitution of 

1787. 

Jackson (185 i), Webster, from Andrew Jackson, the victor at New 
Orleans. 

Johnston (1746), Smithfield, from Gabriel Johnston, governor of 

the colony from 1734 to 1752. 
Jones (1779), Trenton, from Willie Jones, of Halifax, president of 

the Council of Safety. 
Lenoir (1791), Kinston, from Gen. WilHam Lenoir, wounded at 

King's Mountain. 

Lincoln (1779), Lincolnton, from Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, who 

received the sword of Cornwallis, at Yorktown. 
McDowell (1842), Marion, from Col. Joseph McDowell, a brave 

officer of the Revolution. 
Macon (1828), Franklin, from Nathaniel Macon, of Warren, 

Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and 

President of the Senate of the United States. 
Madison (1851), Marshall, from James Madison, President of the 

United States. 

Martin (1774), Williamston, from Governor Josiah Martin, who 
fled from the state in 1775. Doubtless retained in honor of 
Alexander Martin, governor of the state in 1782 and 1789. 

Mecklenburg (1762), Charlotte, from the state in Germany, the 
home of Charlotte, the wife of George III. 

Mitchell (1861), Bakersville, from Dr. Elisha Mitchell, of the 
University, who lost his life exploring the mountain which now 
bears his name. 

Montgomery (1779), Troy, from Gen. Richard Montgomery, killecj 
at Quebec. \ 



COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



57 



Moore (1784), Carthage, from Alfred Moore, Justice of the Supreme 

Court of the United States. 
Nash (1777), Nashville, from Gen. Francis Nash, who fell at 

Germantown. 

New Hanover (1729), Wilmington, from Hanover, the German 
state, whose Elector became George I. of England. 

Northampton (1741), Jackson, from George, Earl of Northampton, 
whose son, the Earl of Wilmmgton, was in high office at the 
time of Gabriel Johnston's appointment as governor of North 
Carolina! 

Onslow (1734), Jacksonville, from Arthur Onslow, Spea;ker of the 
English House of Commons. 

Orange (1751), Hillsboro, from the family title of William III. of 
England. His home had been the principality of Orange. 

Pamlico (1871), Bayboro, from an Indian tribe. 

Pasquotank (1672), Elizabeth City, from an Indian tribe. 

Pender (1875), Burgaw, from Gen. William D. Pender, of Edge- 
combe, killed at Gettysburg. 

Perquimans (1672), Hertford^ from an Indian tribe. 

Person (1791), Roxboro, from Gen. Thomas Person, member of 
Provincial Council and Council of Safety ; Brigadier-general 
of Militia. 

Pitt (1760), Greenville, from William Pitt the elder, a friend of the 
colonies. 

Polk (1855), Columbus, from Col. WilHam Polk, a distinguished 
officer of the Revolution. 

Randolph (1779), Ashboro, from Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, 
president of the First Continental Congress. 

Richmond (1779), Rockingham, from Charles Lennox, Duke of 
Richmond, who moved in the House of Lords the recognition 
of American independence. 

Robeson (1786), Lumberton, from Col. Thomas Robeson, a promi- 
nent actor in the victory at Elizabethtown. 

Rockingham (1785), Wentworth, from Charles Watson Went- 
worth, Marquis of Rockingham, an Enghsh Prime Minister, 
and leader in the movement which advocated the independence 
of America. 



58 



COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



Rowan (1753), Salisbury, from Matthew Rowan, acting governor 
of the colony. 

Rutherford (1779), Rutherfordton, from Gen. Griffith Rutherford, 

who subdued the hostile Cherokee Indians. 
Sampson (1784), Clinton, from Col. John Sampson, of Duplin 

County, a member of Governor Martin's Council. 
Stanly (1841), Albemarle, from John Stanly, of Craven, an able 

opponent of the War of 181 2. 
Stokes (1789), D anbury, from Col. John Stokes, wounded at the 

battle of Waxhaw. 
Surrey (i 770), Dobson, from Lord Surrey, who moved the overthrow 

of Lord North's Ministry in 1782. 
Swain (1871), Bryson City, from David L. Swain, of Buncombe, 

famous as president of the University and governor of the state. 
Transylvania (1861), Brevard, a fanciful name made from two 

Latin words. 

Tyrrell (1729), Columbia, from Sir John Tyrrell, a Lord Pro- 
prietor. 

Union (1842), Monroe, from the American Union. 

Vance (1881), Henderson, from Zebulon B. Vance, three times gov- 
ernor, and United States senator for three terms. 

Wake (1770), Raleigh, from the maiden name of Governor Tryon's 
wife. 

Warren (1779), Warrenton, from Gen. Joseph Warren, who fell at 
Bunker Hill. 

Washington (1799), Plymouth, from George Washington. 
Watauga (1849), Boone, from an Indian tribe. 
Wayne (1779), Goldsboro, from Mad Anthony Wayne, victor at 
Stony Point. 

Wilkes (1777), Wilkesboro, from John Wilkes, an English leader 

opposied to the Tories. 
Wilson (1855), Wilson, from Louis D. Wilson, a brave officer in 

the Mexican War. 
Yadkin (1850), Yadkinville, from an Indian tribe. 
Yancey (1833), Burnsville, from Bartlett Yancey, of Caswell, 

Speaker of the Senate of North Carolina, and a friend of public 

education. 



COUNTIES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



59 



This list may be used for many interesting and profitable 
school exercises. The counties may be arranged, for instance, 
in order of formation or by centuries ; they may be classified 
by the pupils as to the source of their names, according to 
some principle e.g. — local origin (English or American or 
North Carolinian) ; profession ; military or civil services ren- 
dered ; fanciful, or Indian.^ 

1 1 am indebted for much of the above information to a very valuable 
little pamphlet by Dr. Kemp. P. I^attle, of the University of North Carolina. 



Note to "CROATOAN," page i. 

It had been agreed beforehand between John White and the colonists 
that, should the colony be removed during his absence, the name of their 
destination should be carved somewhere, and that if they were in distress 
a cross should be carved above the name. White, on his return, found no 
trace of the colony except three letters, CRO, on one tree, and the word 
CROATOAN on another. The trees bore no crosses. 



i 



INDEX. 



Ad-Vance, blockade runner, 34. 
Agriculture and industry, 41. 
Alamance, battle of, 11. 
Albemarle, 3, 4. 

parent settlement of N.C., 3. 

separation from Va., 3. 

Albemarle, ram, 31, 32. 
Alexander, Abraham and John Mc- 

Knitt, 12. 
Anderson, Geo. B., 32. 
Archdale, Governor, 4. 
Assembly, 3. 

first independent of royal au- 
thority, 12. 

house of, 4. 

membership of, 6. 

Ashe, General, 10. 
Avon, sloop-of-war, 23. 

Badger, Geo. E., 28, 44. 
Barbadoes, settlement of, 4. 
Battl3, Kemp. P., 38. 
Berkeley, Sir William, 3. 
Blackbeard, 6. 
Blockade, 3r, 34. 
Bonds, special tax, 36. 
Boone, Daniel, 18. 
Boundary dispute settled, 6. 
Bragg, Braxton, 23. 
Branch, L. O'B,. 32. 
Brevard, Ephraim, 12. 



Brogden, Curtis H., 38. 
Brooks, Geo. W., 37. 
Burke, Thomas, abduction of, 17. 
Burrington, Governor, 5. 
Butler, Marion, 38. 

Caldwell, Joseph, 2t, 22, 27. 
Canby, General, 36. 
Capital, 19. 

• selection of, 19. 

Carolina, origin of name of, 2. 

South, 5. 

Cary, Thomas, 6. 

Caswell, Richard, 12, 14, 17, 19. 

Charitable institutions, 26. 

at Morganton, 40. 

Charles II., 2, 3. 

Charleston, seat of government of 

all Carolina, 5. 
Charters, granting of, 2. 
Church, established, 5. 
Civil War and Reconstruction, 29. 
Clarendon county, 3. 
Colonial Records, 45. 
Colleges of the state, 26, 40. 
Colored people, progress of, 46. 
Common schools, 26, 27. 

condition of, 41. 

Congress, Continental, 12, 13. 
Congresses, colonial, 14. 
Constitutions, fundamental, 4. 



Constitution, first state, 15. 

requirements of, 20. 

adoption of Federal, 17, 18. 

of 1835, 20, 21. 

of 1868, 36. 

Cornwallis, Lord, 14, 16. 
Croatan Indians, i. 
Croatoan, i, 59, note. 
Culpepper, John, 5. 

Dare, Virginia, i. 

Davie, William R., 16, 17, 18, 20. 

Davis, George, 44. 

Dobbin, James C, 28. 

Dobbs, Governor, 9. 

Drummond, William, first governor 

of colony, 3, 4. 
Dudley, E. B., first governor elected 

by the people, 22, 

Edenton, metropolis of colony, 7. 

Tea Party, 12. 

Education, 19, 25, 26, 39. 
Ellis, John W., 29. 
English, first attempts at settlement 
of, I. 

Established Church, 5. 
Experiment station, 42. 
Exploration, i. 

Fanning, David, 17. 

Fisher, Fort, defense of, 30, 31. 

Fox, Geo., 45. 

Franklin, State of, 19. 

Gaston, William, 21, 24, 44. 
Germans, settlement of, 4. 
Governors and government, 4, 9. 

list of, since 1663, 49. 

Governor, first elected by people, 22. 



of colony, 3. 

of independent state, 15. 

Graham, Joseph, 12, 16. 

Graham, William A., 28. 

Granville, Earl (Lord Carteret), 6. 

Graves, Calvin, 23. 

Greene, Nathan ael, 16. 

Guilford Court-House, battle of, 16. 

Harnett, Cornelius, 14, 15. 
Harvey, John, 14. 
Hatteras, Fort, capture of, 31. 
Hawkins, Benj., 18. 
Hewes, Joseph, 12, 15. 
Hoke, R. F., 36. 
Holden, Wm. W., 35, 38. 

election of, 36. 

impeachment of, 37. 

Hooper, William, 12, 14, 15. 
House of Assembly, 4. 
Houston, Wm., stamp master, 10. 
Huguenots, settlement of, 4. 
Hyde, Edward, first governor of 
N.C. as distinct from S.C., 5. 

Immigration, progress of, 4. 

from Penn., 8. 

Impeachment of Governor Holden, 
36, 37- 

Independence, Mecklenburg Decla- 
ration of, 12, 13. 

first instructions for, 1 5. 

Indians, Croatan, i. 

Cherokee, 10. 

number of, in N.C, 43. 

Tuscarora, 15. 

Innes, James, 10, 25. 

Institutes, county, 41. 

Instructions for complete independ- 
ence, 15. 

Iredell, James, 17, 18. 



INDEX. 



63 



Jarvis, T. J., 23. 
Johnson, Andrew, 36. 
Johnston, Gabriel, 7, 9. 
Johnston, Samuel, 14, 17, 18. 
Johnston, Joseph, E., surrender of, 
31- 

Jones, Willie, 14, 17. 

King's MountaiKi, battle of, 16, 19. 
Kirk, 37. 

Klan, Ku Klux, 36, 37, 38. 

Lawson, John, massacre of, 5. 
Literature and religion, 44. 
Lowry, Henry Berry, 37. 

Macon, Nathaniel, 21, 28. 
Mangum, Willie P., 28. 
Manly, Charles, 22. 
Manteo, i. 

Manufacturing establishments, num- 
ber of, 42. 

yield of, 42. 

Martin, Josiah, 9, 12, 14, 15. 

Mecklenburg Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, 12, 13. 

Merrimon, A. S., 38. 

Miller, Thomas, 5. 

Military movements, leading, 31. 

Monument, Confederate at Raleigh, 
32, note. 

Moore's Creek, battle of, 15. 

Moravians, settlement of, 8. 

Morehead, John, M., 23, 28. 

Moseley, Edward, 7, 25. 

Murphey, Archibald, 21, 26. 

Newspapers, first in N.C., 9. 

number of, in 1895, 45- 

Normal schools, 41. 



Normal and Industrial School, 40, 
41. 

North Carolina, character of, 46, 47. 

foreign blood in, 46. 

number of counties in, 45. 

population of, 45. 

religion in, 45. 

wealth of, 46. 

western, 43. 

Ordinance of Secession, 27, 35. 

Pender, W. D., 32. 
Penn, John, 15. 

People's Party, formation of, 38. 

fusion of, with Republican 

party, 38. 
Pettigrew, J. J., 31, 32, 33. 
Period, critical, 17. 

Proprietary, i ; meaning of, 7. 

Royal, 7. 

Plymouth, recapture of, 31. 
Postal service, first, in N.C., 9. 
Printing press, first, in N.C., 9. 
Pritchard, J. C, 38. 
Proprietary government, end of, 6. 

Period, i. 

Proprietors, Lords, 3, 4. 

sale of rights of, 6. 

— — signatures of, 2. 
Population, settlements and, 3. 
at close of Proprietary Period, 

in 1896, 45. 

Royal Period, beginning of, 7. 

end of, 7. 

sources of, 8. 

statistics of, 1 790-1890, 51. 

Quakers, 4, 5, 24. 
Qualla Boundary, 43. 



INDEX. 



Railroads, beginning of, 22, 23. 

number of, in N.C., 43. . 

Raleigh, Sir Walter, i, 19. 
Ramseur, S. D., 32. 
Ransom, M. W., 31, 37, 38. 
Rebellions and wars, 5. 
Reconstruction, 35, 36. 
Records, colonial, 45. 
Regulators, the, 11,. 
Reid, David S., 22. 
Reindeer, sloop-of-war, 23. 
Revolution, the, 12. 

scenes and events of, 1 5. 

Rights, sale of Proprietors', 6. 
Roanoke Island, i. 

Lord of, I. 

Robeson county, i. 
Robertson, James, 19. 

Saunders, Wm. L., 45. 
Schenck, David, 16. 
Secession, Ordinance of, 29. 

repeal of, 35. 

Sectionalism, 20. 
Senators, first, from N.C., 18. 
Settlements, first English attempts 
at, I. 

Settlements and population, 3.. 

of Barbadoes, 4. 

Highlanders, 8. 

Huguenots, 4. 

Germans, 4, 8. 

Moravians, 8. 

Scotch-Irish, 8. ' ^- 

Swiss, 4. • . 

Sevier, John, 19. ... 
Slaves, emancipation of, 35. 
Slavery, 24, 25. 
Social life, 27. 



V 



Southwell, Seth, 5. 
Special tax bonds, 36. 
Stamp Act, reception of, 9. 
Swain, David L., 21. 
Swiss, settlements of, 4. 

Teach, Edward, 6. 
Tennessee, birth of, 18. 

cession of, 19. 

Tobacco factories, 43. 
Tories, the, 15, 17. 
Tryon, William, 9, 10, 11. 

University, the, 19, 20, 26. 

growth of, 40. 

revived, 38. 

suspension of, 35. 

Vance, Zebulon B., 33, 34, 38. 
Viper, sloop-of-war, 10. 
Virginia, southern, 2. 
separation of Albemarle from, 3. 

Waddell, Hugh, 10, 14. 
Wars, rebellions and, 5. 
War, Civil, 29. 

after the, 34. 

last days of the, 32. 

number of N.C. troops in, 

32- 

killed in battle, 32. 

Mexican, 23. 

of 1812, 23. 

Tuscarora, 5. 

Wasp, sloop-of-war, 23. 
Watauga, 18, 19. 
White, John, i. 
Wiley, Calvin H., 27. 
Worth, Jonathan, ^6. 



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